Russia’s Daria Kasatkina beat Shelby Rogers 6-7 (2-7) 6-1 6-2 to win the Silicon Valley Classic in California.
This is the first championship at the age of 25 Since she came out as gay last month Criticized her country’s attitude toward homosexuality in an interview and called for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Russia, but ‘gay propaganda’ among minors is prohibited Homophobia is common.
Kasatkina praised her team for their support.
“Thank you for always being by my side – in good times and bad,” she said.
“Thank you for always supporting me and sometimes fighting with me just to help me – I love you.”
Kasagina’s victory over US world No. 30 Rodgers was her first WTA Tour title of the year and fifth of her career.
The newly promoted world No. 9 reached the French Open semi-finals but returned to the top 10 for the first time since 2019 after a Russian player was banned from Wimbledon.
