Anastasia Potapova, currently ranked 51st in the world, has officially changed her international allegiance by obtaining Austrian citizenship. The 24-year-old tennis player has been competing as a neutral athlete on the WTA Tour following the ban on Russian and Belarusian players from representing their countries after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Potapova is among several Russian-born players who have made similar decisions in the wake of the conflict. Others who have switched allegiances include Daria Kasatkina, representing Australia; Varvara Gracheva, now playing for France; Elina Avanesyan, who has chosen Armenia; Maria Timofeeva, representing Uzbekistan; and Natela Dzalamidze, now playing for Georgia.
Earlier in 2023, Potapova received a formal warning from the WTA for wearing a T-shirt bearing the logo of the Russian soccer team Spartak Moscow before her match against Jessica Pegula at Indian Wells. This incident was interpreted by some as a public endorsement of Russia, attracting criticism from top players, including Iga Swiatek. Potapova defended her actions by stating her long-standing support for Spartak, which she has held since the age of 13, and asserted that she did not see her attire as a provocative statement.
This shift in Potapova’s representation signifies a broader trend among athletes navigating the complexities of national identity and international sporting regulations during these challenging times.
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