Change of Nationality: Elina Avanesyan Ordered to Compensate the Russian Federation

Just days before the start of the 2026 season, Elina Avanesyan sees her ambitions hampered by a decision as surprising as it is costly.

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Jules Hypolite

le 27/12/2025 à 21h37

1 min to read

Avanesyan Elina

Born in Pyatigorsk, Russia, Elina Avanesyan had chosen in August 2024 to change her sporting nationality to represent Armenia, a country she had already defended in the junior ranks.

Since then, the 23-year-old player, ranked 118th in the world, was in dispute with the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF), which demanded compensation following this change of nationality. The federation believed it had financially invested in her training and sports development, and considered that this departure in the middle of her career caused it harm.

A loss of earnings received during her career

After several months of proceedings, the National Sports Arbitration Center ultimately ruled in favor of the RTF, validating the principle of financial compensation.

Indeed, according to the official statement, Avanesyan will have to repay part of the costs invested in her training and return a portion of the earnings received during her professional career. A hard blow for the Armenian player on the eve of the 2026 season.