Daria Kasatkina has said that she wants to 'play under the rainbow flag' ahead of Pride Day at the US Open.

Thirteenth seed Kasatkina is one of just two out gay players in singles at this year's New York major, and she recently discussed her decision to come out publicly last summer as well as her opposition to the war in Ukraine in a New York Times feature.

The Russian revealed that she is dating Natalia Zabiiako, who is a world bronze medalist for Russia in figure skating, in an interview last year, and the couple became public when they posted pictures together on Instagram. They also have a shared YouTube vlog about life on the tennis tour.

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Kasatkina reveals unique flag request

The 26-year-old was asked whether or not it was difficult being a neutral player and if she'd prefer to play under the Russian flag again.

All players from Russia and Belarus have had to compete under the neutral flag since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. There are 17 players in this year's US Open who are competing as neutral athletes.

However, Kasatkina revealed that rather than go back to playing under the Russian flag, she wants to play under the LGBTQ+ Rainbow flag.

"I want to ask the W.T.A. if I can play under the rainbow flag," she said with a laugh.

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Kasatkina speaks out against Russia's anti-gay law

In the interview where Kasatkina publicly came out, she also called the war a "complete nightmare", whilst also speaking out against the country's anti-gay law that makes it difficult for her to return to her homeland, especially with her girlfriend. They currently reside in Barcelona, Spain.

"The laws in our country are getting worse and worse. I realize to be a gay person in Russia, it’s becoming impossible. And all this together makes me say what I feel and what I want to say," she said.

Kasatkina saying she wants to play under a Rainbow flag came ahead of the US Open's third consecutive Pride Day, titled "Open Pride", which takes place today, Thursday, August 31. Last week, the tournament was designated as a "safe space" by the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.

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Happy #Pride weekend in NYC! In honor of New York Pride, Arthur Ashe Stadium is illuminated in rainbow-colored lights all weekend.

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