Polina Kudermetova, currently ranked world No. 104, has officially changed her sporting nationality from Russia to Uzbekistan. Born in Moscow, the 22-year-old began her professional career in 2018 and collected nine ITF titles while representing Russia.

Career highlights before the change

Kudermetova’s breakthrough came at the start of the 2025 season during the WTA 250 tournament in Brisbane. Entering as a qualifier, she reached the final and even won the opening set against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka before losing in three sets. That same year, she achieved a career-high ranking of No. 54 and celebrated her first Grand Slam main-draw victory at the US Open.

Uzbekistan’s growing tennis presence

Her move adds to Uzbekistan’s growing roster of Russian-born players. Maria Timofeeva and Kamilla Rakhimova also switched to Uzbekistan earlier in 2025, strengthening the nation’s presence in women’s tennis. Marija Zivlak of Women’s Tennis Blog observed, “Uzbekistan is making a clear statement of intent by rapidly strengthening its women’s tennis presence through the addition of established tour players.”

Broader trend among Russian players

Kudermetova’s decision reflects a wider pattern. Anastasia Potapova now represents Austria, while Daria Kasatkina competes under the Australian flag. These moves highlight how Russian athletes are seeking new opportunities amid ongoing political and sporting challenges.

Family connection

Her older sister, Veronika Kudermetova, remains a prominent figure in Russian tennis and continues to represent Russia. The sisters’ different paths underscore the personal and professional choices athletes face when deciding their national affiliations.

As the 2026 season approaches, Kudermetova is expected to play a central role in Uzbekistan’s tennis ambitions. With her proven ability to challenge top-ranked players and her steady rise in the WTA rankings, she could become a key figure in elevating Uzbekistan’s profile on the global stage.