Anastasia Potapova, a promising talent in women’s tennis, has announced a significant change in her career trajectory—switching her national allegiance to Austria. The 24-year-old player, originally from Saratov, Russia, is expected to compete under the Austrian flag starting in 2026.
In a heartfelt message shared on her social media, Potapova expressed her excitement over this new chapter in her life. “I am delighted to let you all know that my application for citizenship has been accepted by the Austrian Government,” she stated. Potapova described Austria as a welcoming place where she feels at home, emphasizing her affection for the city of Vienna.
This decision reflects a growing trend among Russian athletes in the wake of ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting personal sentiments. Potapova joins a number of former Russian players who have chosen to represent other countries, including Daria Kasatkina, who switched her allegiance to Australia earlier in the year. Kasatkina has been vocal about the challenges she faced in Russia, including concerns surrounding the treatment of the LGBTQ community and the political climate following the invasion of Ukraine.
Potapova’s announcement comes shortly after another notable event in the tennis world; the Uzbekistan Tennis Federation confirmed that Kamilla Rakhimova will now compete for Uzbekistan, marking a significant moment for the nation’s tennis history.
As Potapova prepares for the 2026 season under her new flag, her decision underscores not only personal aspirations but also the evolving landscape of international tennis in a time of considerable global change. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this transition impacts her performance on the WTA circuit in the years to come.
