SUMMARY
- Vladimir Putin's biggest opponent, Alexei Navalny, died under mysterious circumstances.
- Following his death, Daria Kasatkina showed her support for Navalny's widow, as many hailed it as a courageous act.
Russian star Daria Kasatkina is one of the most prominent players on the tour, not just for tennis but for her voice as well. Daria has not shied away from condemning Vladimir Putin in the past, proving that she does not stand for injustice. She showed remarkable courage once again when she extended her support to Alexei Navalny’s wife.
Navalny was the leader of the Russian opposition and died under mysterious circumstances. According to reports, Alexei fell unconscious after his short walk in the Siberian penal colony. He passed away shortly afterward, aged 47.
Kasatkina has been very vocal in her opposition to Putin and his policies. She lent her support to Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, by sharing Yulia’s tribute on her Instagram stories. The tribute featured a photo of Alexei and Yulia, prompting Ben Rothenberg to hail Daria as the “bravest voice in tennis.”
Daria Kasatkina, reposting from Navalny’s widow, remains the bravest voice in tennis right now. pic.twitter.com/xBYNX45q31
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 19, 2024
Alexei was a lawyer and an ex-spy. He survived a poison attack with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent, in prison in 2020. Yulia accused Putin of killing her husband, adding that the government was “hiding” his body to disguise the cause of death. Navalny’s spokesperson stated that the body would be under some sort of “chemical examination” for 14 days.
Fans took to social media to admire Daria’s brave stance. Many echoed Rothenberg’s sentiment, as one user felt Kasatkina was the most courageous athlete in elite sports currently. Others reiterated their support for the player. Here are a few reactions to the news.
That’s why she has my support. She is speaking out and I think that is great
— Olivia (@Olivia270291) February 19, 2024
There’s probably not a more courageous figure in all of top level sport right now.
— Rob Collins (@robcollins2016) February 19, 2024
I admire her, worry for her, and respect her all at once.
— Jimmy (@Racquettechie) February 19, 2024
Daria Kasatkina has previously criticized Putin’s war on Ukraine. With Navalny’s death, the Russian opposition looks the bleakest it has in decades. However, Yulia looks set to take on the mantle and continue Alexei’s fight.
Daria Kasatkina has been critical of Vladimir Putin
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Daria immediately sided against her country. Kasatkina has always been a courageous figure. Not only does she speak against Putin, but she is also gay, and homosexuality has been criminalized in Russia recently.
Not all her colleagues on the tour shared her stance, though, and Daria made her own choices. Moreover, as an openly gay individual against the war, Kasatkina cannot return to her homeland either.
“It’s unsafe for me now, with the regime we have. As a gay person who opposes the war, it’s not possible to go back. But I don’t regret it even 1%,” she said.
Daria Kasatkina has always strived to put her best foot forward, both as a player and as a person. She has been an inspiration to many, and her voice has become a beacon of hope.