Potapova's nationality switch scandal has exposed the recruitment packages of host countries, with Andreyeva and Meva now being targeted.

No one expected that Potapova's seemingly routine nationality change would cause such a huge stir in public opinion, and even reveal more explosive details!

Previously, this tennis beauty frequently caught public attention due to two events: first, her whirlwind marriage and quick divorce with Shevchenko after switching to Kazakhstan; second, shortly after her divorce, she began a passionate romance with Dutch player Griekspoor, with their sexy semi-nude sailing photos going viral online.

When fans saw Potapova and Griekspoor deeply in love, seemingly inseparable every day, some joked that since she loved this Austrian guy so much, she might as well switch nationality to Austria, so they could be together all the time.

In the end, Potapova did announce she would change her original Russian nationality, but not to Austria—instead to Vienna. "I am very pleased to inform everyone that my application for Austrian citizenship has been approved by the Austrian government. Austria is a place I deeply love, warm and hospitable, making me feel at home. I adore Vienna and look forward to settling there. At the same time, I am honored to announce that starting in 2026, I will represent my new homeland Austria in my professional tennis career."

After Potapova personally disclosed her nationality change, many people's initial views of this tennis beauty shifted overnight.

Since Potapova's performance in tennis has been average without remarkable achievements, and her personal life involving relationships became a prominent label, many believed she was not serious about playing, seemingly only wanting to be a "heartthrob" that kept fans awake and herself fully enjoying love.

Now, by switching from Russian nationality to Vienna rather than her new boyfriend’s Austria, it shows Potapova still has aspirations or ambitions for her tennis career, not just wanting to be a mere figurehead on the court who leaves no lasting impression upon retirement.

Although Potapova’s nationality switch clearly aims to lift many restrictions faced by Russian players, the process has not been as smooth as with her ex-husband Shevchenko, Lebakina, or Kasatkina. It was harshly criticized by the Russian Tennis Federation vice president and former world No.1 Kafelnikov, who said, “Is she a great athlete? Has she ever won anything for Russia? You can’t name one, and neither can I. So, she should just get lost!”

After this incident, some sympathized with Potapova, saying she might be the first Russian player to be so ruthlessly condemned when changing nationality, which is really awkward.

While many discussed this issue, new revelations emerged from Potapova’s nationality change: the attractive recruitment packages offered by the receiving countries were exposed by the media, giving fans and netizens fresh gossip.

It was revealed that Rakhimova, who switched to Uzbekistan, received not only a $3 million infrastructure budget but was also promised direct entry to the Asian Games; Australia offered Kasatkina a fixed annual elite guarantee of 500,000 AUD plus a professional media team to produce her documentary; France provided money and a Russian-speaking coach, with nationality changes completed within a month, among other benefits!

These recruitment packages have indeed accelerated the talent drain amid the turbulent times for Russian athletes. Although Russia tries to honor players like Schneider and Andreyeva with national medals, these honors seem insufficient compared to the overseas offers. This partly explains why Kafelnikov lost his temper over Potapova’s nationality switch. As one netizen put it, “Emotional ties seem insignificant when faced with career prospects.”

The mass outflow of Russian players naturally weakens the overall competitiveness of Russian tennis, so Kafelnikov’s anger is entirely understandable.

Regarding the next player to change nationality, media reports suggest even more explosive news that might infuriate Kafelnikov further. It is said that someone has already set sights on Russian prodigy Andreyeva, offering even more tempting conditions.

Some say if the current situation for Russian athletes does not fundamentally improve and restrictions persist, to pursue their dreams and smoother tennis careers, the barrage of these attractive offers might shake Andreyeva’s resolve and lead her to represent another country.

Besides Andreyeva, Kudermetova is also being targeted, with France and Australia already extending invitations, just waiting for this Russian beauty’s acceptance.

If Andreyeva and Kudermetova eventually join this wave of Russian players switching nationality, what harsh words Kafelnikov might say next has again stirred great interest among fans and netizens.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit Starry Sky)