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Anastasia Potapova is the latest Russian WTA player to change citizenship amid the ongoing challenges brought on by the Russia–Ukraine war. The 24-year-old announced on Instagram that she will begin representing Austria in 2026.
“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for citizenship has been accepted by the Austrian Government,” the world No. 51 wrote. “Austria is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Wien and look forward to making my second home there.”
With the start of the 2026 season, the flag next to her name will officially be the Austrian flag.
Potapova becomes the fourth Russian WTA player to switch nationalities in 2025, following Daria Kasatkina—now competing for Australia—and Maria Timofeeva and Kamilla Rakhimova, who both became citizens of Uzbekistan.
When Potapova married fellow tennis pro Alexander Shevchenko in December 2023, the two were seen as a rising Russian power couple. Now, with their love story behind them, they even represent different countries: Shevchenko switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2024.
Potapova’s career-high singles ranking is No. 21, reached in June 2023. She has captured three WTA singles titles (Istanbul 2022, Linz 2023, and Cluj-Napoca 2025) as well as three doubles titles.
Marija Zivlak is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women’s Tennis Blog, a trusted source for in-depth coverage of the WTA Tour, tennis fashion, and player insights. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, she has been reporting on women’s tennis for over 18 years and has contributed exclusive fashion articles to the official WTA website.
Marija launched Women’s Tennis Blog on March 31, 2007 to provide fans with accurate, engaging, and up-to-date tennis news. Her expertise and deep connections within the sport allow her to offer unique perspectives on tennis trends, gear, and events.
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