Daria Kasatkina has been one of the rising young stars from Russia. She is also known to be very brave and vocal about her ideologies. Kasatkina was one of the first openly gay tennis players from her country and publicly opposed the Russia-Ukraine war.
However, her political stances have made her life tough back in Russia. People are shunned when opposing the war, and gay relationships are still not accepted in Russia.
Kasatkina finds it difficult to travel to her homeland due to the ongoing war. Her opinions and lifestyle have created an uproar in Russia. She said, “It’s difficult that I cannot see the people I love often. Actually, I can see them almost never. “I didn’t see my father for two years.” Kasatkina is currently in a relationship with skater Natalia Zabiiako, and both travel together on the WTA tour.
Daria Kasatkina speaks about the difficulties of being gay in Russia pic.twitter.com/guNLUStx17
— Ryan (@Some1NamedRyan) July 18, 2022
Daria Kasatkina and Natalia Zabiiako also have a YouTube channel where they upload vlogs on different topics. The couple discuss the difficulties on tour and also bring in fellow players to talk about several issues. The Russian has been hailed as a courageous human by Elina Svitolina for opposing the Russia-Ukraine war. Kasatkina has publicly shown support to her Ukranian friends on the tour.
Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff made Daria Kasatkina feel “free” after coming out as gay
Even though Kasatkina has found it tough to gather support in her homeland. She has been lucky enough to have friends on the WTA tour. Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff have shown their love towards the 26-year-old after she came out as gay. Osaka and Gauff have been proactive in raising their voices on tour for social issues.
Osaka said that the Russian star needs to be supported as she has been outspoken in dangerous situations. The four-time grand slam champion also mentioned that Kasatkina stood up for what she believes in. Joining Osaka, Gauff said that she is very happy for Kasatkina. The teenager went on to say that the WTA tour is always supportive, and there is a lot of encouragement between the players.
Kasatkina has become an example of strength on the tour. She is currently playing at the WTA Elite event in Zhuhai, China. The Russian No.3 will continue her fight against war and voice out for the rights of gay couples.