The landscape of professional tennis has changed significantly in recent years, with several players who once represented Russia now competing for other nations. Fourteen active players have made the switch, reflecting both personal decisions and broader geopolitical circumstances.
The first wave of changes
Before the war, a handful of players had already changed their sporting nationality. Yulia Putintseva, Alexander Bublik, and Elena Rybakina now represent Kazakhstan, while Daria Saville competes for Australia. These moves were largely career-driven, offering opportunities for support and development outside Russia.
Post-war transitions
Following the outbreak of war, ten more players opted to switch allegiances. Varvara Gracheva and Erika Efremova now play under the French flag, while Daria Kasatkina represents Australia. Elina Avanesyan and Karen Sarksian compete for Armenia, and Alexander Shevchenko represents Kazakhstan. Other changes include Anastasia Bakhmutkina for Belgium, Maria Timofeeva and Kamilla Rakhimova for Uzbekistan, and Anastasia Potapova for Austria.
Impact on the tennis community
These changes have sparked discussions within the tennis world about identity, opportunity, and the pressures athletes face in times of political conflict. For many, the decision to switch nationality was not only about career prospects but also about distancing themselves from the challenges of representing Russia during a turbulent period.
A new chapter for the players
While the moves have altered the competitive landscape, they have also provided these athletes with fresh opportunities to grow and succeed under new banners. Their journeys highlight how sport often intersects with global events, and how players adapt to continue pursuing their careers at the highest level.
| Rank | Name | Current Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yulia Putintseva | Kazakhstan |
| 2 | Alexander Bublik | Kazakhstan |
| 3 | Elena Rybakina | Kazakhstan |
| 4 | Daria Saville | Australia |
| 5 | Varvara Gracheva | France |
| 6 | Erika Efremova | France |
| 7 | Daria Kasatkina | Australia |
| 8 | Elina Avanesyan | Armenia |
| 9 | Alexander Shevchenko | Kazakhstan |
| 10 | Anastasia Bakhmutkina | Belgium |
| 11 | Karen Sarksian | Armenia |
| 12 | Maria Timofeeva | Uzbekistan |
| 13 | Kamilla Rakhimova | Uzbekistan |
| 14 | Anastasia Potapova | Austria |
Anastasia Potapova in 2025
Ranked no.51, the Austrian played her last match on the 1st of October when she lost to world no.13 Linda Noskova 6-2 6-4 in the 4th round in Beijing (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Austrian achieved a 24-16 win-loss record. Potapova has won 1 title in Napoca.