I am promised security in Saudi Arabia

The 26-year-old Kasatkina is currently ranked 11th in the WTA ranking, one position behind Latvia’s best tennis player Alyona Ostapenko.

Kasatkina is on track to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November.

Homosexuality is prohibited by law in Saudi Arabia, but Kasatkina is said to have received guarantees that she will be able to feel safe in the country.

“I have been given assurances that I will be fine,” Kasatkina told the BBC when asked if homosexual athletes could feel safe in Saudi Arabia.

Kasatkina was asked a similar question last year at Wimbledon. At the time, the Russian tennis player expressed concern about human rights problems in Saudi Arabia.

“If I qualify [“WTA Finals”]it will mean that I am in the top eight in the world – that would be great news for me,” said Kasatkina.

“It can be seen that Saudi Arabia is very passionate about sports at the moment. They want to develop this sport,” said the Russian tennis player.

“I think it’s great, as long as it gives children and women the opportunity to both see and play sports,” added Kasatkina.

Kasatkina participated in the Madrid “WTA 1000” tournament this week. In the round of 16 match, she recognized the superiority of Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva (WA 50) 6-3, 2-6, 2-6.