Daria Kasatkina, the world's bravest tennis player

For the first half-dozen years of her pro career, Russian-born Daria Kasatkina was an ascending tennis player, not known for being political or particularly outspoken. Then, in February 2022, Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, and she condemned her country for it. Five months later, an emboldened Kasatkina made another statement she knew could trigger backlash in her homeland, one famously hostile to gay rights: She was in a relationship with another Russian athlete, former Olympic skater Natalia Zabiiako. Kasatkina and Zabiiako talk with "60 Minutes" correspondent Jon Wertheim about the importance of speaking out, and why they can't go home.
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[@malibu_rum]

Yes, their vlog is the best thing that happened to women’s tennis in recent years, no jokes. Go binge an episode today, if that’s the only thing you do! You won’t regret it.

[@irinriv3722]

Daria may say whatever she wants but criticising the "regime" she willingly takes maney from the governmental Russian Federation of Tennis. How come? If you are so honest and brave warrior :)))) No remorse, or money does not stink 🤣😂🤣

[@TylerD288]

I have better things to do.

[@LesCish]

I'm an old white guy, lived my entire life in the American South. Love is love. A truly touching segment. I hope they find happiness.

[@nancycm]

She’s amazing. So glad you brought this story out. She plays like she lives, too! A huge fighter. Her relationship seems so loving and special. Hats off to both women. ❤

[@dukeon]

💚❣️💛

[@Yestequesecree]

You see this tennis warrior on court and you’ll never imagine how sweet and cool she is. Go Dasha!

[@irinriv3722]

Dasha should say how much money she has already received for the Governmental Russian Tennis Federation that help her to travel, and enjoy WTA tour. Sme people say about 200 000 $ only this year. Funny, is not it? Why does she take money from the Government which she condemns and hates? It is not sports :))) Honesty is the best policy, isn't it?

[@Yestequesecree]

@@irinriv3722 I don’t know my friend, it seems neither do you, some ppl? Some ppl who?. And if russian government indicates her as a “terrorist” I wouldn’t say nothing good about them tbh.

[@irinriv3722]

@@Yestequesecree What do you mean? Does it make any point of what you have written&

[@John-tr6of]

You have no idea what goes on at tournaments or behind the scenes. If you did, you would NEVER say what you did.

[@jimw.4161]

Exactly! Her demeanor on the court 🎾 is completely different. A young woman athlete caught up in a whirlwind of politics and controversy. Even though she seemingly enjoys a glamorous life - it must be extremely difficult being separated from your family. I am now a fan.

[@mostly_insane2291]

“There’s always a line” Tennis philosophy

[@marianak7721]

It was crossed in 2014

[@genadinikolajev9340]

... and the net!

[@TylerD288]

And short tennis skirts exposing the long hairy legs of the West German women's team!

[@stonew1927]

So much respect for this young lady. In the current environment, not only in Russia but also in the US and many other supposedly developed countries in the world, it takes immense bravery to stand up for what you believe in, not only socially risking bullying but also politically being ostracized and even banished. She's fortunate to have the ability to earn a good living as a tennis professional abroad, but I'm sure not having the option to return home to visit her parents and still feel safe is a great sacrifice. Blessings to her and her partner, and much gratitude for having the courage to speak up and stand against social and political oppression . . .

[@jjns5600]

Well said!

[@tds7078]

She’s one of the few players I always root for. Also was one of the first pros I ever met. Seems very thoughtful and gentle.

[@KCNwokoye]

So proud of Daria. Keep on shining!

[@littleprince837]

It just feels so awesome when you can admire a player for both their skills _on_ the court, AND who they are as a person _off_ the court. Daria ticks all the boxes. Rooting for her always; she is so kind in person and really nice and friendly to fans too!

[@colesmith7509]

I don’t think I could like her any more but there we are. She’s so iconic

[@tricky664]

She paid the fee and the trip to the paraathlete tournament. The government did not do this, but Dasha did. And she didn't advertise it anywhere. Dasha is an amazing girl. Very kind, honest, fair, strong!

[@jacklo325]

Met her at a tennis tournament before, she is very friendly and genuinely nice.

[@Long2556]

I knew this for a while about Dasha. Now more people can see what a regular hero she is. Sadly too rare and far in between super duper strong soulful talented - and very cute - human being.

[@annaniezgodzka1101]

Thank for this interview. A very moving piece. Dasha is a huge rolemodel

[@observer1111]

🤦‍♂

[@steffie17]

So proud of her to have the corage to speak out and live her life. Always rooting for her in tennis, go Daria! 😊

[@Olechkaice]

Любим, уважаем и всегда ждём❤️

[@judibarth7999]

Blessing to you and your partner! May the war end and freedom to all the great people of Russia! 🙋🏼‍♀️💐♥️

[@observer1111]

Согласен , пусть война закончится и все , кто выбрал деньги вне родины , там и останутся ☝НАВСЕГДА ☝

[@linezone]

@@observer1111мальчик, твоя родина снова тебя продалась, как и при развале ссср😂😂😂

[@observer1111]

@@linezone " ͟м͟а͟л͟ь͟ч͟и͟к͟,͟ ͟т͟в͟о͟я͟ ͟р͟о͟д͟и͟н͟а͟ ͟с͟н͟о͟в͟а͟ ͟т͟е͟б͟я͟ ͟п͟р͟о͟д͟а͟л͟а͟с͟ь͟,͟ ͟ " 🤣Судя по обороту речи , у тебя её вообще нет !) 🤪Девочка .😅

[@Pallyy5]

Kasatkina is amazing. And, their VLOG is actually amazing, cause because of that you can actually " connect " with some players that usually are not appreciated by the public eye or, because the way they play / behave in the court, but some of them are legit amazing, and we would never know if it was not for those " short interviews " from the VLOG.

[@d.capurro6112]

She's always been one of my favorite tennis players.

[@m.w.976]

*Same here 💙*

[@saksit247]

I follow the WTA now more than the ATP. Dasha is the most awesome person/player to be a fan of.

[@IngridArh]

Very impressed by the bravery and courage of this amazing woman and tennis player. She is a role model for everyone.

[@10shxf]

Dasha, an incredible person and player. So brave and I have so much respect for her and Natasha, living their life to the fullest. Their vlog is the best thing ever. Its so influential and important also. They are doing a great thing ❤

[@kkyles605]

I love Dasha and Natalia so much. Dasha is not only a great player, she's not afraid to express her beliefs. She's a ray of sunshine on the tennis tour.

[@internetpeople6113]

Good luck to both of you. Brave lady.

[@stevedavid1226]

Brave?? She should try living in Ukraine!!

[@scottross8578]

Well done Dasha & Natasha. You give us all hope that Russia will find its way back from the abyss.

[@m.w.976]

*Perhaps, after the dictatorship. Not before.*

[@GregUralsky]

В России всë хорошо, не пережиаайте за неë. Она, Россия, ещё вас, запад из вашей пропасти вытащит.

[@jamiezenichi1017]

Do not take any chances with your freedom; don't go back to Russia for at least 20 years.

[@nt4081]

Perhaps she has security , if not ,she should get some. Those evil forces from Russian have gotten to people living outside of Russia

[@littleprince837]

I think it was revealed before in a NY Times article: her agency and team also makes sure not to put her on any flights that might fly near Russian airspace. Just to be safe.

[@vsevolodvoskoboynik]

@@littleprince837 she is planning the flights herself.

[@VelhaGuardaTricolor]

JULIAN ASSANGE's arrest just proves your point.

[@Jack999Torrance]

She's a clever girl. I hope it works out well between her and Russia. They have the most beloved tennis show on Wta. Natalia is a very good vlogger and getting better every month. Netflix series is theatre, this is real life.

[@Nathi282]

So much love for her!!!!!!!!! Dasha has a pretty heart and soul, great person she is!!!!!! Brave and talented girl 🩷

[@WonderWhatHappened]

She is an amazing individual. In her vlogs she interviews players but is most heartwarming she takes the time and interview and thank ball kids. She respects each plays and is raw with her emotions and how she feels.

[@nt4081]

Good interview! Yes, love and kindness wins. Her tennis has gotten better and more consistent since she is not hiding her sexuality, and life. Some women in tennis have no courage and hide , get "beards" to show up with and it does not help their career. Martina said years ago, that it was a burden to hide. She thrived after coming out as well. I just hope she and Natalia keep somethings sacred in their relationship. Over exposure is not good.

[@nonamecommenter]

I love her Vlogs. She is definitely fun to watch❤❤❤

[@manganese333]

Such a brave woman. Thank you for sharing her story!

[@murgatroidsp]

We all love Dasha in the tennis fan world

[@phunning]

Will be rooting for her. It's one thing to have guts on the court. This is another level.

[@ElliaPerez]

Amazing player, and so brave!!! ❤

[@vsevolodvoskoboynik]

Восхитительные девушки...

[@user-bq6pc3tf3b]

Поддерживаю Смелые, Умные, Красивые, талантливые спортсменки.

[@observer1111]

​@@user-bq6pc3tf3b " Поддерживаю Смелые, Умные, Красивые, талантливые ПРЕДАТЕЛЬНИЦЫ из корысти !)☝

[@user-go1rq1ep2l]

Оказались тупые. Надеялись на Абрамсы в Москве, но увы. Придётся жить в Барселоне. Тоже не плохо.

[@vsevolodvoskoboynik]

@@user-go1rq1ep2l откуда такая информация?

[@vsevolodvoskoboynik]

@@user-go1rq1ep2l откуда такая информация?

[@Questinia1]

I love Dasha and her docs on YT.

[@HiMy_Name_Is]

Thank you Dasha, take care and stay strong ❤

[@marianagaoka9687]

Their vlog is the best, forget Netflix etc. Dasha and Natalia show the real thing about players and wta tour behind the scenes.

[@ronalddelrosario7405]

I have heard that most of the Russian (and Belarus) tennis players are very much against the war in Ukraine, particularly the top players. But so far as I know, Kasatkina is the only one to publicly say so. I have always admired the way she plays. She plays a crafty all-court game with lots of flair. But since she's made her stances public, I've admired her even more. I actually have several custom-painted racquets that I use regularly. I have a set of racquets dedicated (one each) to Roger, Rafa and Nole. But this latest set is dedicated to Billy Jean, Arthur, Martina and Venus and Serena. I'm thinking of getting another some day but wasn't sure for whom (was thinking Althea Gibson). But maybe some day I might get one for Dasha, depending on how much impact she makes on the world outside of tennis...

[@marcobartocci8503]

Andrey Rublev also wrote on a camera "please stop war" some time ago

[@GregUralsky]

Было бы замечательно, если бы дяди в Белом доме их услышали и прекратили подливать масло в войну. Путин предложил мир ещё в марте 2022-го.

[@iwnunn7999]

Love her bravery. BTW she has a beautiful gf.

[@dukeon]

Extremely 😍

[@tricky664]

She is not only beautiful, but also an amazing athlete

[@dukeon]

@@tricky664 Yes and very creative and smart

[@Nicole-cf3kj]

Наша❤ Успехов тебе!💪🥇🏆

[@Mary-hx7wh]

Both of them are heroes on so many levels. Love to both of you!! ❤❤❤

[@mretmmeproctor1627]

Brave Lady . & a Strong one too!! Love the life you live. And Live The life you Love ❤

[@keknight7470]

Dasha is a great tennis player and the most intelligent one. MSM just needs to leave her alone and not use her to be a pawn in their game of gaslighting the viewers

[@user-mn2cy2jh9q]

Большое спасибо, смелая, талантливая девочка выросла в прекрасную спортсменку и сильного человека. Рекомендую их блог, они супер милые и позитивные!

[@steveilg6134]

Thank god for athletes…these two are beautiful brave badasses. May peace reign….🙏🏾

[@martinezdirce9225]

Ohh thank you for this interview… I always thought, this lady if she’s losing 5/0 she just doesn’t give up … I have to admit I don’t sympathize with Russian athletes but after this interview, hats down to her… in a way I was already her fan and now even more… I hope she can come to Tokyo this year again ♥️💪

[@MyDawgHasGrillz]

Wishing you both safety and happiness. Much respect. Hoping you can see your families again soon. 💕💕

[@observer1111]

🤦‍♂

[@AndrewLauJunyong]

I didn't know much about Kasatkina but I have so much respect for her! So brave.

[@user-re5fq5ew9w]

" WHAT THE VLOG " is her page

[@richardernsberger5692]

Strong woman who deserves our admiration....excellent tennis player, too.

[@jboustead13]

She’s amazing, both of them are. Pleased they’re getting recognition. I love their vlogs too. ❤

[@sazzam]

Love your game and love your bravery, Dasha!! Thank you for all your fight, joy, and determination!!

[@biolausc]

My favorite tennis player!

[@marcelredplanet3765]

So proud of her ❤ thank you for reporting on this topic.

[@LesBiNews]

Such a brave person!

[@Rivercat0338]

Dasha was already one of my favorite players to watch, and then she stepped up. She and Natasha are pure joy.

[@jamievidd775]

Always have been a fan of Daria. Such a genuine person. Wish her only the best.

[@Rybka_Bananka]

Даша потрясающая! Я не фанатка тенниса, но после интервью у Вити открыла для себя эту великолепную спортсменку и просто удивительного человека. Только удачи, только вперед! PS: Витя, улыбнись, ты теперь тоже на американском тв😁

[@user-go1rq1ep2l]

Витя конечно поднасрал ей знатно.

[@barbararenaud]

What a beautiful soul.

[@rdmalonso1]

Bravo Dasha. Thanks for speaking up when you did not have to.

[@jdvannoy99]

They are braver than I would be in their situation. 👍

[@barborabarbora-gt7sp]

just pure admiration for this girl. Go and get a Slam

[@tennisfanstefan]

I wish inner peace and love to both you and your partner

[@tomorrowedwards8374]

She's always been apart of me. Now even more, outstanding woman, tennis 🎾 player, and brains. Go go girl. Enjoy yourself. Much love❤❤❤

[@theohof2204]

Das hat mich ZUTIEFST berührt. Daria und Natalia: zwei grossartige Frauen, zwei Hoffnungsträgerinnen. It may not help much, but always be sure that you've got a friend in me.

[@orangeman2456]

She is also brave because no one else with that serve would dare to think about being in top 10. Dasha is ❤️

[@ancienpersonne]

ДАША 💚🕊💙

[@SkiCourchevel]

What a brave young lady! She is now my new favorite professional athlete.

[@robertwu8092]

It's impossible not to like her both on the tennis court and in real life. She and her partner are our hope for mankind.

[@lgarcia67]

And THAT is why our forefathers have fought so much, and why having discussions and press covering everything, and people protesting for what is right is important. In a nutshell, that is why freedom is important. There is still homophobia and racism here in the US; but we can denounce it. Our country has done things in the past that may have been questionable as well; but we can protest them and right the wrong as much as we can. So yeah, don’t take it for granted; it has cost the life and blood of thousands.

[@observer1111]

Протестовать , эта единственная ваша привилегия , которая по факту вам не даёт НИЧЕГО !) ВАС НЕ СЛЫШАТ и на вас плевало ваше богатое правительство , во главе с маразматиком , над которым смеётся весь мир !)🤦‍♂

[@mauricebell8912]

Very brave young lady!!

[@dsgp7835]

Great new respect for a person and tennis player I already had great respect for.

[@AN-cy7xm]

With our world and our news so full of people that choose to go along with what they do not believe in, out of fear and out of cowardice, it is beyond inspiring to watch somebody who is willing to sacrifice a lot in order to keep her integrity!

[@observer1111]

И чем же она пожертвовала , между деньгами и родиной !?🤦‍♂

[@AN-cy7xm]

@@observer1111 Did you watch the video? She is sacrificing being able to see her family and friends and her home.

[@observer1111]

@@AN-cy7xm🙂 It's all about the price!) At this age, it's not a sacrifice, but an escape from control, which is essentially what happened ! And with money, friends find themselves! Don't be so naive, this video is completely based on gaslighting!)))))☝😜

[@Lederius18]

It’s unfortunate because even knowing her stance on the war and how much she’s spoken out, Ukrainian players still won’t shake her hand at the net. I hope behind the scenes it’s a lot nice more cordial environment.

[@howardschnirman2358]

It's because some of them have family fighting. And think how would it for them to shake hands with russians when others are putting their lives on the line. Elina Svitolina mentioned something like this.

[@sylviareyes-yo4co]

❤❤❤ thank you for sharing!!! Blessings!!!

[@LdnLady]

Love ya Dasha & Natalia ❤️

[@ttruong94121]

proud of you, Daria

[@andreysvidenko9865]

Love and tons of respect to Dasha!

[@mariamnlb8361]

This girl is very strong both on and off the court. Everyone misses their home. She was forced to leave there, she is not accepted as she is, but still it is your home, of course you want to go back there, but not in such conditions. I wish Daria a speedy return to her homeland, a homeland that does not start wars, a homeland that is tolerant of everyone. She's a wonderful person. Stay that way, girl!

[@mikekolyshkin3931]

They are both very talented, free, kind, and inspirational human beings. God bless them! ❤❤

[@observer1111]

Бог не поддерживает грешниц !)🤦‍♂

[@observer1111]

В комментариях очень много ботов , которые даже не отвечают !) Американская пропаганда в действии !🤣🤦‍♂

[@frankburns456]

Love is bigger than anything in its way 🌈❤️🎾

[@victoriaallen1635]

Go Dasha!!

[@pawelworonko9]

Good job Dasha

[@benmcginley135]

Love and respect to you, Dasha!

[@elyas3115]

Теперь мне не страшно говорить на английском, все время стесняюсь акцента и недостаточности словарного запаса) Даша классная ❤

[@johnvanbreugel2569]

She and her girlfriend should be offered asylum and citizenship by other countries. I adore them.

[@polo2898]

Protect her at all costs!!!

[@sydneywu9326]

Courageous ❤

[@jenifersantana815]

STAY STRONG, DASHA!!! ❤❤❤

[@Sarung89]

Amazing girl… all the best

[@user-pg9tp5uo5i]

Daria is just a sweet heart of tennis

[@Kate_2823]

Brave Dasha speaking the truth! 👏👏💪💪

[@mattoneill1272]

you are an incredible human Dasha!! Now lets get a little more pace on that second serve

[@davegonzalez7906]

Soooo brave! Stay strong Dasha ❤

[@oscarbeltran5897]

They are both amazing, charming and strong. 👏👏👏

[@kierankelleher007]

Great tennis player. Wonderful person.

[@majiccdtv]

i love them both! thank u for your bravery! pure beautiful!

[@jasmine-we9pv]

I’m a huge fan of dash,she is so brilliant and audacious🎉🎉