Russian-born tennis star Anastasia Potapova has officially completed a change of sporting nationality and will now represent Austria on the international stage. The move was confirmed after tennis authorities approved her application, clearing the way for her to compete under her new flag in upcoming WTA and ITF events.

Potapova, a former junior Wimbledon champion and long-time member of the Russian tennis system, has been training and spending significant time in Central Europe in recent years. Her decision to switch allegiance reportedly aligns with her long-term personal and professional plans, including better access to training resources and a more stable competitive environment.

While she has yet to speak in-depth publicly about the motivations behind the change, sources close to the player suggest that the move offers her a chance to reset her career trajectory and compete with fewer restrictions — especially given ongoing complexities faced by athletes from Russia on the global sporting scene.

Austria, meanwhile, gains a top-50 calibre player with tour-level experience, boosting the nation’s depth ahead of team competitions such as the Billie Jean King Cup. Potapova’s arrival is expected to generate more attention for Austrian tennis, particularly among younger fans.

Her first tournament appearance under the Austrian flag is anticipated early in the upcoming season, where she will look to make an immediate impact and firmly establish herself in her new sporting chapter.