Daria Kasatkina: Russian No. 1 comes out as gay and posts photo with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako on Instagram

Russian’s No. 1 female tennis player Daria Kasatkina has come out as gay, stating in a video that “living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters”. Kasatkina is the world No.

12, and reached this year’s French Open semi-finals — her best-ever run at a Grand Slam. Ad/> In a video with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko, filmed in Barcelona, she confirmed she was in a relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. Roland-Garros'I try to treat every match the same' — Swiatek makes short work of Kasatkina to power into final02/06/2022 AT 14:22 Kasatkina went on to post a photo with Zabiiako on her Instagram page after speaking out against Russia’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.

The 25-year-old said: “So many subjects are taboo in Russia. This notion of someone wanting to be gay or becoming [gay] is ridiculous. 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?” 'I’ve never seen anyone like him' — McEnroe hails 'unbelievable' Nadal Djokovic 'will have to roll up his sleeves and receive the vaccine to play' — Montreal director ‘I am pulling for her’ – McEnroe backs Raducanu to do great things as she prepares for US Open /> Russia currently has a “gay propaganda” law, in place since 2013, and lawmakers are reportedly looking to extend the ban which can be used to stop gay pride marches and detain LGBTQ+ rights activists. Kasatkina said she may “never” be able to hold Zabiiako’s hand in Russia, and also said she was inspired by Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who came out last month.

/> “Living in the closet is impossible. It is too hard, it is pointless. Living in