"Honestly they're icons, for sure": Martina Navratilova lauded by Daria Kasatkina in backing her for coming out, calls for acceptance in the world

Russia’s tennis star Daria Kasatkina has heaped praise on the former world number one Martina Navratilova for supporting her sexual orientation.

The former world number eight became one of the most high-profile players to come out in public and admit that she is dating a woman. That move received mixed reactions from different quarters of the tennis community.

One of the big-name players who came out in support of Kasatkina was Navratilova who also praised the youngster for having a principled point of view regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The 26-year-old was recently quoted in a report where she heaped praise on the former world number one for standing by her in testing times.

"Honestly, they’re icons. For sure. There’s so much respect. And the way they are, it’s just amazing," she said. "Yeah, exactly [the stage is living your truth no matter who you are]. I mean, we’re all the same. We’re people.

“The worst thing we can do is to hate each other. So, and now in the world full of hate, I think it’s very important to accept each other the way we are, and love each other. I think this thing can change the world, finally.”