Russia’s
Daria Kasatkina has stated that she does not regret
revealing her sexual orientation.
The 26-year-old is one of the most outspoken woman players
on the tennis circuit and she announced last year in July that she was gay.
The development surprised a few considering Kasatkina
belongs to a country where homosexuality is not allowed.
However, the 2022 French Open semifinalist, while speaking
about it, said that she feels ‘much better’ after the revelation last year.
"It's hard, but at the same time, I feel much better to
be open,” she said. “I had to choose, I am in the closet and I am not saying
anything, but I don't feel good inside or I come out with this and, ok I have
to face a few problems, but to be myself and I made the right choice for myself
and I don't regret it at all.
"Unfortunately, I come from a country where everything
is very strict. It is what it is and I have to accept this and I'm happy to be
myself and if this means I have to face this problem, it's my choice. For me,
it's most important how I feel inside myself."
Kasatkina has been in sublime form in
Wimbledon 2023 where
she has already booked her place in the third round.
The Tolyatti-born defeated America’s Caroline Dolehide in
the round of 128 in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. In the round of 64,
she outclassed Britain’s Jodie Anna Burrage in straight sets with a score of
6-0, 6-2.
Kasatkina will now face the former world number one three-time
Grand Slam winner Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka in the round of 32 on Friday.