Being openly gay or lesbian is challenging in Russia, but that has not stopped the Russian No. 1 women's player Daria Kasatkina from confirming she has a girlfriend.
Kasatkina has enjoyed an excellent 2022 so far. Her results on clay were particularly impressive. She reached the semifinal of the Italian Open, beating the No. 2 seed Paula Badosa during that run before being knocked out by Ons Jabeur.
The 25-year-old's best moment of 2022 was progressing to her first Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open. She did not drop a set in her five victories in Paris but was no match for world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinal.
Kasatkina is one of the hardest-working players on the WTA Tour. However, that has not stopped the world No. 12 from taking time to speak openly and bravely about her sexual orientation after a Russian footballer recently did the same.
Nadya Karpova was the footballer to confirm publicly she is a lesbian. Kasatkina praised her compatriot and said people like Karpova coming out can inspire others who feel burdened by hiding their sexuality.
"My respects to Nadya Karpova [for coming out], attagirl. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls who needed to know that. It has empowered them for sure, supported them. Not only did Nadya help herself by coming out and get this burden off her chest, she has also helped others."
Kasatkina was then equally inspiring by confirming she was in a relationship with another woman. Her actions would not be met with approval by the Russian government, but it is great that Kasatkina is choosing to live her life freely.
"Yes, [I currently have a girlfriend]. Living in the closet is impossible. Not for the long run, no. It is too hard. It is pointless, you will be completely focused on that until you choose to come out. Of course, it is up to you to decide how to do it and how much you tell. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters, and f--- everyone else."