‘My new homeland’ – Potapova changes allegiance from Russia to Austria

After receiving a citizenship application, Anastasia Potapova has changed her nationality to Austrian.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Potapova has been prohibited from playing in the Billie Jean King Cup, with Russia also prohibited from competing in team competitions.

The 24-year-old, who represented Russia at that level in the 2018 and 2019 competitions, will be eligible to play for Austria in the following year.

Potapova wrote on Instagram, “I’m delighted to let you all know that the Austrian government has accepted my application for citizenship.”

I adore Austria, which is incredibly welcoming, and which makes me feel completely at home. I adore living in Wien [Vienna] and look forward to returning there.

Julia Grabher, who is currently ranked 94th in the world, will take her place once the switch is implemented, making Potavpova, who is currently ranked 51, the new Austrian number one.

After Ukrainian opponent Elina Svitolina threatened to boycott their match at the Monterrey Open, Potapova claimed that Russian athletes were “hostages of the current situation.”

Potapova is the latest in a growing number of Russians to resemble a different country and play there since missing the China Open in October due to injury.

Daria Kasatkina announced earlier this year that her request for permanent residency had been accepted by Australia.