Russia No 1 Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay
World No 12 Daria Kasatkina has revealed that she is gay and has a partner in an announcement that is the first of its kind for a Russian player.
Kasatkina is currently the top-ranked Russian woman, hovering just outside the top ten.
She lamented the lack of openness in Russia and said that she was inspired by the coming out of footballer Nadezhda Karpova.
Kasatkina praised Karpova for opening the door after becoming the first female Russian sportswoman to come out in June.
She hopes that news of her coming out will reach Russia and let LGBT people in Russia know that they are not alone.
“For young people facing problems in public, it is very important when athletes or other well-known personalities talk about it,” she said in an interview with a blogger.
“My respects to Nadya Karpova [for coming out], attagirl. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls who needed to know that. It has empowered them for sure, supported them,” Kasatkina said.
“Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others.
“So many subjects are taboo in Russia, some of them more important than ours, it’s no surprise.
Kasatkina dismissed the suggestion that a person would or could choose to be gay.
“This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming one is ridiculous,” Kasatkina added.
“I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight. Seriously, if there is a choice, no one would choose being gay. Why make your life harder, especially in Russia? What’s the point?”
Kasatkina lives in Spain and said that she could no longer live in the closet.
“Living in the closet is impossible. Not for the long run, no. It is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focussed on that until you choose to come out. Of course, it is up to you to decide how to do it and how much you tell,” Kasatkina said.
“Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and f*ck everyone else.”
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s leatest match was help up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?
-
ATP Tour
Expert reveals how long Andy Murray could be sidelined if he requires surgery after ‘devastating’ injury
“The decision will be made to potentially treat it with non-surgery but that’s unlikely I think.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz has bad news for his rivals with latest remarks as he also gives insight into aggressive tactics
Carlos Alcaraz is “feeling great on the court” again, which should be a concern for his rivals.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray faces agonising waiting game after ankle injury nightmare
Andy Murray waiting to hear whether he still has a chance to end his career at Wimbledon this summer.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev admits it ‘didn’t smell good’ as he mounts amazing Miami comeback
Daniil Medvedev bounced back from a desperate position in the first set tie-break to beat Dominik Koepfer.