Daria Kasatkina, the best Russian tennis player, says she is gay

Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina came out of the closet on Monday, despite her country's homophobic laws and perceptions.

(CNN) --

The top-ranked Russian tennis player has opened up in an interview that she is gay, while also addressing rising homophobic attitudes in her country.

Daria Kasatkina, currently No. 12 in the world ranking, told a Russian blogger that she is in a relationship with a woman, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako.

Kasatkina posted photos of the two together on social media after the interview.

Kasatkina spoke out against the situation in Russia, stating that he will never be able to hold hands with his girlfriend in his home country, where he is currently not.

"This idea of ​​someone wanting to be or becoming gay is ridiculous. I think there is nothing easier in this world than being straight," he said.

"Seriously, if you had to choose, no one would choose to be gay. Why complicate your life, especially in Russia? What's the point?"

Although same-sex relationships were decriminalized in Russia in 1993, trends have changed in recent years.

In 2013, the country passed a "gay propaganda" law, which has been used to target the LGBTQ community, according to The Council for Global Equality.

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ILGA-Europe, an organization that works for LGBTQ rights in Europe, places Russia as one of the worst countries in Europe for LGBTQ people, only above Azerbaijan and Turkey.

"Living hiding it is impossible. It's too hard, it doesn't make sense," Kasatkina said.

"Living in peace with oneself is the only thing that matters."

More and more athletes around the world decide to come out publicly.

At last year's Tokyo Olympics, more LGBTQ athletes came out as gay — at least 186 — than at any previous game.

But even with increased visibility, many LGBTQ people around the world continue to experience persecution.

In the United States, state lawmakers have introduced at least 162 bills targeting LGBTQ Americans in the first half of 2022, a record year for this type of legislation.

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