It’s been a tumultuous year for Russian player who has been banned from Wimbledon, spoken out against the war in Ukraine and over her own sexuality
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.