Tennis star Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay in ‘exceptionally brave’ video

Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina has bravely come out as gay in a video posted online. 

Speaking to Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko, the world number 12 revealed she is in a relationship with a woman and that “living in the closet” was no longer possible. 

The 25-year-old also shared photos of herself with girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, a Russian-Estonian figure skater, who now represents Canada. 

In the video, Kasatkina is visibly emotional as she discusses Russia’s homosexuality restrictions, the ongoing war in Ukraine and whether she will be allowed to return to her home country. 

Currently, Russian lawmakers are trying to ban the ‘promotion’ of LGBTQ+ relationships and a law stopping gay pride marches has been in effect since 2013. 

“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 stresses in the clip. 

The tennis star also expressed concerns that she would never be able to hold Zabiiako’s hand in Russia but that she could no longer live a lie. 

“Living in the closet is impossible. It is too hard, it is pointless. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and f**k everyone else.”

ICYMI yesterday, Russian No 1 Daria Kasatkina has revealed she is in a relationship with a woman, and also become the first Russian tennis player to speak out against the war.Two exceptionally brave things to say, for different reasons.pic.twitter.com/d62LuhM06C

Kasatkina explained that her reasoning for coming out stemmed from being inspired by Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who did the same last month. 

“Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others,” she said.