Daria Kasatkina is Russia’s top-ranked tennis player in the WTA. She is not just a fighter on the tennis court, but off it too. Kasatkina displayed tremendous courage when she opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. Moreover, she also came out as gay, hailing from a country where homosexuality is punished.
The Russia-Ukraine war is not just limited to the battlefield, though. The fallout from it has affected every sphere, and tennis is no exception. The effects have been felt in the shared locker rooms, during interviews, and even during matches. Now, Russian and Belarussian players can only play under a neutral flag at tournaments.
During a recent interview, Daria was asked if it was difficult not to play under her nation’s flag. She chose to respond with humor, wondering if the WTA would let her play under the Rainbow Flag. “I want to ask the W.T.A. if I can play under the rainbow flag,” said Kasatkina (via The New York Times).
Daria Kasatkina was asked if it was hard not being able to play under her country’s flag:
“I want to ask the WTA if I can play under the rainbow flag (laughing)”
(via New York Times) pic.twitter.com/5IG37NdVqD
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2023
Daria Kasatkina, also called Dasha, boldly embraces her identity as a queer woman in tennis. Dasha’s courageous statement renouncing Russia’s invasion policy and coming out as queer was lauded by many.
However, her statements bear a price, meaning that there is probably a target on her back in her homeland. Most likely, Dasha cannot go back home to her parents, who still live in Russia.
Daria Kasatkina continues her fight against injustice
Five months after the war began, Kasatkina came out in support of her Ukrainian counterparts. In a series of blogs, Daria described the war as a ‘nightmare’ and expressed her sympathies for those who were affected by this bloodlust.
A lot of Russian and Belarussian players have avoided talking about the war, but not Daria. She criticized Vladimir Putin’s regime for actively trying to drown out the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.
Daria has been in a relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. The couple has a blogging channel where they upload adorable videos of their travels.
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When asked about her decision to come out, Daria spoke of the difficulties of being a queer person in Russia. She added that as a public figure with a platform, it was important to say something.
Dasha would not stay silent anymore. She felt she had an obligation to speak up for those who could not. “I just felt that as a public person, this is what I can do, and I did it.”
Daria Kasatkina spoke about her decision to come out as gay & why she spoke against the war in Ukraine:
“Everything was just so messed up already. It’s a war. The laws in our country are getting worse & worse. I realize to be a gay person in Russia, it’s becoming impossible. All… pic.twitter.com/v6pmxaNrDd
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2023
Elina Svitolina took a stand not to shake hands with any Russian or Belarussian player this year. Svitolina and Kasatkina clashed in the fourth round of the French Open. Elina won the match, and while they did not shake hands, the women acknowledged one another with a nod. Svitolina later called Daria “a brave one” for her stance on the war.
Kasatkina’s comments are a reflection of her traits as an openly gay Russian woman in tennis. As she mounts her US Open campaign, Kasatkina’s words will surely instill hope in those in the war-torn regions.
Daria Kasatkina won her first-round match against Alycia Parks 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. She will face American star Sofia Kenin in the next round.