While we were focused on Roland Garros, Daria Kasatkina and her long-time girlfriend, Olympic medalist Natalia Zabiiako, announced their engagement through an Instagram photo capturing their intertwined hands, with a beautiful diamond ring resting on Natalia’s finger. Their concise caption, “And just like that,”, encapsulated this meaningful milestone.
The former world No. 8 Kasatkina publicly came out as gay in 2022, which was a rare and courageous act for someone born in Russia, where LGBTQ+ rights remain heavily restricted. Soon afterwards, she introduced the world to the love of her life: Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako.
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The two started dating in 2021 and have been inseparable ever since. They’ve shared their lives with fans through their charming YouTube series What the Vlog, which documents everything from travel and training to quiet breakfasts and goofy moments. While Daria dazzles on court, Natalia is often behind the camera, or by her side in the stands, cheering her on with the kind of support only true love can offer.
But beyond the views and victories, they’ve built something even more meaningful: a relationship rooted in trust, strength, and mutual admiration.
Kasatkina reached the fourth round at Roland Garros in what was her first Grand Slam appearance since switching her nationality to Australia in March. Now, feeling free to live openly and authentically, she saw taking this next step with her long-time partner as a natural and joyful progression in their journey together.
Happy for them!
As a Aussie tennis watcher since the 1970’s I applaud Kasatkina for her bravery in opposing Putin’s war against Ukraine, coming out in the face in face of Putin’s vile homophobia & oppression of the Russian LGBTQI community and celebrate her engagement to the love of her life.