Woman labelled ‘foreign agent’ by Russia spotted in players’ box at French Open

A Russian singer declared a 'foreign agent' by her birth country was spotted at Sunday's French Open clash between Daria Kasatkina and Elina Svitolina.

In an emotionally charged fourth-round fixture, Ukrainian Svitolina came up against Russia-born tennis star Kasatkina, who has been consistently vocal in her opposition against the ongoing war. Kasatkina has criticised Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine, as well as President Vladimir Putin's LGBTQ+ policies after coming out as gay last year.

And the 26-year-old has risked further ire from her home nation after hosting rock star Zemfira in her box on Court Suzanna Lenglen. The 46-year-old musician left Russia after expressing opposition to its siege on neighbours Ukraine and was named a 'foreign agent' (effectively a spy) by her own government this past February.

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At the time, a statement from Russia's Justice Ministry said Zemfira – full name Zemfira – "openly supported Ukraine, held concerts in unfriendly countries while speaking against the special military operation and received support from foreign sources." It's been reported Zemfira has settled in France after relocating from Russia in the wake of the war.

Her presence in Paris couldn't spur Kasatkina to the display she desired as the Barcelona resident lost 6-4, 7-6 to Svitolina. Kasatkina came into the competition hoping to go one better than the semi-final run she put together in France last year, which remains her best performance at any Grand Slam.

Russian politician Roman Teryushkov confirmed in December that he had issued a request for Kasatkina to be blacklisted as a foreign agent herself after revealing the truth of her sexuality. That clearly hasn't halted her acts of bravery, however, after making a statement by inviting Zemfira as her guest.

It was just prior to Kasatkina's fourth-round outing that she was pictured alongside her compatriot and Olympic figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. Although the stage veteran is no stranger to public appearances after 25 years as an award-winning singer, Zemfira isn't as used to crowds these days.

Russia's 'foreign agent' laws have been adjusted in recent years to give the government more freedom applying the term to companies and individuals who criticise its practices at all. Human rights advocates have criticised the changes and accused Russia of using them to suppress the media and freedom of speech.

Kasatkina may have been ousted from the running at Roland Garros, but her choice of guest in Paris has made its mark.

"There are many subjects that are even more important than [same-sex relationships] that are banned, so it's no surprise," said the anti-war protester when she came out in July 2022. "Living in the closet as they say is pointless. Until you choose to come out. Of course it's up to you how to do it and how much to tell. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters."

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