Potapova opts for Austrian nationality
While she had recently expressed hope that Russia would be reintegrated into international team competitions, Anastasia Potapova has just made an announcement that may come as a surprise.
"An incredibly welcoming country"
On her Instagram account, she stated that she will represent Austria starting in 2026. She explained: "I am thrilled to announce that my naturalization request has been accepted by the Austrian government. Austria is a country I love, incredibly welcoming, where I feel at home.
I love being in Vienna and I look forward to establishing my secondary residence there. In this context, I am proud to announce that starting in 2026, I will represent my new homeland, Austria, in my professional tennis career."
Features - Saudi Arabia, injuries, war, and business: the fascinating underbelly of tennis revealed by TennisTemple
Tennis, Saudi Arabia’s new playground
The impact of the war on tennis in Ukraine: financial aid, foundations, governing bodies and all‑round headaches
The outfit wars: how clothing contracts dominate the tennis business