Queer history was etched into the annals of the US Open as two openly gay tennis players, Daria Kasatkina and Greet Minnen, made history by competing against each other during the third round at Flushing Meadows. The dramatic match concluded with a 6-3, 6-4 victory for Kasatkina, following an intense exchange of skills on Court 17. This landmark event represents the inaugural competitive encounter between two openly gay players in a Grand Slam singles match.
Although previous instances of queer athletes facing off exist, such as Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, many publicly acknowledged their sexual orientation only after their matches. For Minnen, despite the loss, participating in this historic event alongside Russian tennis star Kasatkina was a joyful experience, emphasizing their collective contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
Kasatkina and Minnen, both aged 26, share a significant history, having previously partnered in the Wimbledon doubles competition in 2019. Their participation marked a groundbreaking moment for the LGBTQ+ community, as they became the first openly gay players to team up in a major tournament. The Belgian star, Minnen, further advanced LGBTQ+ visibility by competing against her former partner, Alison Van Uytvanck, in a World Tennis Association (WTA) Tour event in Karlsruhe during 2019. A poignant moment occurred when the two embraced at the net, solidifying the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in the realm of tennis.
Kasatkina’s journey has been characterized by her openness about her sexuality, coming out in July 2022. She expressed the relief she felt after embracing her truth, stating that shedding the burden of concealing her identity significantly improved her well-being. As she looks ahead, Kasatkina is poised to compete against Aryna Sabalenka, gearing up for another thrilling match in her career. The US Open, an ongoing tournament that spans until September 10, continues to serve as a platform for both remarkable sportsmanship and historic moments in the world of tennis.