The word “courage” is used a lot in tennis circles, usually to reference some unlikely victory or an outstanding effort under pressure. True courage, though, is something different altogether. Step forward Daria Kasatkina.
The Russian enjoyed a superb 2022 on the court, roaring back into the world’s top 10, four years after she first made it there. With her silky touch and finesse, the 25-year-old can bamboozle opponents, pulling them around on a string. But it is off the court where Kasatkina made an even bigger impression last year and where she wants to continue to make her mark.
In a number of interviews broadcast on YouTube in July, Kasatkina criticised her country’s invasion and war in Ukraine. At the same time, she came out as gay, another brave move. Knowing the danger of her words, and the potential implications back home, she went ahead anyway, describing the war as a nightmare and criticising her country’s attitude to homosexuality.
It was a huge risk, but one Kasatkina felt was worth taking. In a small interview room inside Melbourne Park on Monday, she explained why continues to speak out, even if it means she is unable to see her family. “Of course I’m worried,” she said. “I have so many friends and people I know from Ukraine and hearing the stories, what they’re telling me. It’s painful because I’m thinking, imagine if I’m in their spot.”
“It’s very tough. And it’s been almost a year living in these circumstances. I want this to end soon as possible, but unfortunately it’s not depending on us. They’re my friends and I want to show them love and support because it’s very tough. For them, it’s more difficult.”
Kasatkina was able to see her mother a month ago during pre-season training, but she has not seen her father for two years. For the moment, there is no way she can risk going home. “You never know how the situation is going to turn out. But I realise that you don’t have to look too forward because you don’t know what’s going to be around the corner. You don’t know what’s going to be tomorrow.
“For most people, it’s important to have the support of family, of friends. It’s been tough because … my friends, my family, they couldn’t travel, first because of Covid, then the war.
“It’s difficult that I cannot see the people I love, often. Actually, I can see them almost never. I didn’t see my father for two years. But it’s what it is. It’s life, unfortunately. I have to say thanks that it’s not a worse scenario. I’m just happy they’re healthy and I have them.”
Kasatkina also knew her announcement that she is in a relationship with Natalia Zabiiako, a professional figure skater, would not be well received in Russia, where homophobia is common and freedoms are restricted. What she didn’t know was how positive the reaction would be from her fellow players. “That was great because I didn’t face any negativity, especially from the people I know,” she said.
“This topic is very sensitive, so I was ready for some negative reaction, but there was nothing like that. I’m very thankful because that makes me feel so good. Some of the players were coming to me, sometimes they’re still coming to me, to say ‘yeah, it’s cool’ or ‘congrats’ to me. That’s nice.”
There must have been a danger that by speaking out on Russia and coming out as gay would make life difficult for Kasatkina on the court. But instead, it had the opposite effect. “To be honest, it helped me,” she said. “I felt less pressure. I put this pressure out of my shoulders because when you have to think about tennis but also to think about some deep things inside your head, it’s just not good.
“I remember after saying all these things, I just felt much better. That was one of the best decisions of the last year and I’m happy with the outcome. And thanks to the people who were next to me supporting me.”
Ranked No 8, Kasatkina might have finished last year higher had she been allowed to play at Wimbledon. Instead, she and other Russian and Belarusian players were banned by the All England Club because of the invasion of Ukraine. It was a decision that had widespread support in Britain, but when the ATP and WTA removed ranking points in retaliation for the ban, players from all countries lost out.
Wimbledon is reportedly considering lifting the ban for the 2023 Championships, a scenario Kasatkina would appreciate. “It would be great,” she said. “It was painful not to play last year, to miss one of the biggest tournaments. It wasn’t an advantage to anybody. We didn’t play other places and get points, so the situation wasn’t good for anybody. So, if this year, things are changing and we can play, that’s going to be amazing.”
For now, Kasatkina is focused on the Australian Open. She begins her campaign against another Russian, Varvara Gracheva, on Tuesday having reached the final of the warm-up tournament in Adelaide. Kasatkina says she feels fresh and ready to go. But as she has proven, some things are more important than results.