RUSSIAN TENNIS STAR SPEAKS OUT AGAINST HOME COUNTRY

Russia’s top female tennis player Daria Kasatkina came out last July. Kasatkina often speaks out about social injustice, including Russia’s oppressive stance towards the LGBT community and its hostile invasion of Ukraine.

Kasatkina told The Guardian, “To be honest, [coming out] helped me. I felt less pressure.”

Kasatkina worries she may never be able to return to Russia to visit her family after coming out and speaking against the country. During a recent interview, she spoke out about why she won’t back down.

“I remember after saying all these things, I just felt much better. That was one of the best decisions of the [past] year, and I’m happy with the outcome.”

She didn’t expect the support she received from fellow players.

“That was great because I didn’t face any negativity, especially from the people I know.”

“Some of the players were coming to me,

That’s nice.”