Russian Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina who previously came out as gay, announces she is now representing Australia

Popular Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has openly confirmed that she is gay.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Kasatkina revealed that she decided to switch allegiances and now represents Australia. This decision came after she publicly criticized Russia’s strict LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Kasatkina had previously spoken about her sexuality in 2022, before leaving Russia, where LGBTQ+ rights are heavily restricted.

She said: “It’s my first official day as an Australian player. Honestly, it feels different, I’m not going to lie. It’s emotional for me,”

“I have to get used to it. But I’m really happy to start this new chapter of my life representing Australia on the big stage.”

“With everything going on in my previous country, I didn’t have much choice to switch allegiance

“For me, being openly gay, if I want to be myself, I have to make this step, and I did it.

“I have to get used to it a little bit, because for a couple of years I didn’t hear anything. But it’s something nice to get used to.”