According to her own words, Daria Kasatkina made one of the best decisions last year as she opened up her relationship.
In an industry where athletes often feel pressure to keep their personal lives private, Kasatkina's decision to be open and honest about her relationship with figure skater Natalia Zabiiako was a brave move. But for the 25-year-old Russian player, it was a decision that brought her a sense of relief and freedom.
“To be honest it helped me. I actually felt less pressure over my shoulders [afterwards] because when you have to think about tennis, but also think about some deep things inside your head, it’s just not good."
Kasatkina's decision to come out was not only a personal victory, but it also served as a powerful message to other LGBTQ+ athletes in Russia and around the world. In a country where LGBTQ+ rights are often considered a "taboo" topic, Kasatkina's courage to speak out and be open about her sexuality was a step forward for visibility and acceptance.
As a professional athlete, Kasatkina has always been focused on her game and her performance on the court. But she also recognizes the importance of using her platform to raise awareness about important issues and to be a role model for others.
“I remember after saying all these things I felt just much better. I think it was one of the best decisions of the last year and I’m happy with the outcome, happy with how the things were going after that. Of course (thanks) to the people who were next to me and supporting me. Everything went quite well.”
Since coming out, Kasatkina has continued to excel on the tennis court, but perhaps more importantly, she has been a trailblazer for other LGBTQ+ athletes and a powerful voice for acceptance and equality.
In a world where so many people still face discrimination and prejudice for being who they are, Kasatkina's decision to come out was not only one of the best decisions of her life, but it was also a powerful message of hope for others. It's a reminder that being true to oneself is always the right decision, no matter what the world may say.