Potapova pushes off from Russia; will play for Austria

Anastasia Potapova has become the second Russian in recent months to ditch her birth passport and pick up with a more civilised tennis nation.

The  WTA No. 51 followed on by half a year her former Russian compatriot Daria  Kasatkina, who took up Australian citizenship due to fears of never being able to return to Russia due to her political beliefs and her lifestyle .

The married gay player ranked 37 immediately moved into second place nationally behind the 32nd-ranked American-born Aussie teenager Maya Joint.

Potapova will take over as Austrian No 1 when she begins play next month in Australia.

 The 24-year-old winner of three titles – and Wimbledon junior champion in 2016 – explained the reasons for her passport change.

“I am delighted to let you all know that my application for citizenship has been accepted by the Austrian government,” she posted on Instagram.
“Austria is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Wien [Vienna] and look forward to making my second home there.

“As part of this I am proud to announce that starting from 2026 I will be representing my new homeland Austria in my professional tennis career from this point onwards.”

Potapova will unseat 94th-ranked Austrian Julia Grabher at the top of the national table.