Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina addresses safety concerns for openly gay players in Saudi Arabia

Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina has made headlines once again, this time for her stance on playing in Saudi Arabia. The world number 11, who is openly gay, has revealed that she has been given assurances about her safety should she compete in the country for the season-ending WTA Finals in November.

Kasatkina had previously expressed concerns about traveling to Saudi Arabia, citing “many issues concerning this country.” However, after a third-round victory at the Madrid Open, she spoke of the benefits of bringing the tour’s flagship event to the Middle Eastern nation.

“If I qualify, it means that I am top eight in the world – it’s great news for me,” Kasatkina said. “We see that the Saudis now are very into the sport, they want to develop the sport. And as long as it gives the opportunity to the people there, and the young kids and the women to actually see the sport – so that they can watch it, they can play it, they can participate in this, I think it’s great.”

Despite homosexuality being illegal in Saudi Arabia under Sharia law, the president of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Arij Almutabagani, has assured that gay players would not need to act any differently than they do in other Middle Eastern countries where WTA tournaments are already held.

“People can behave the way they want to – there is nothing that says you can or you cannot behave. You just have to understand that every country has its rules and traditions,” Almutabagani stated. “It’s the same thing that has happened in Dubai. How do they act in Dubai? We are the same, we are all neighbors.”

Kasatkina’s willingness to compete in Saudi Arabia despite the potential risks highlights her dedication to the sport and her belief in the power of tennis to bring about positive change. As the WTA Finals draw closer, all eyes will be on Kasatkina and her journey to qualify for the prestigious event in Riyadh.