Another Russian female tennis player changes nationality! Her sister remains loyal to their homeland, evoking mixed feelings.

After Timofeeva and Rashimova, yet another Russian-born player has opted to change her nationality. Who is this athlete?

This time, it is the 22-year-old WTA player Polina Kudermetova. She is the younger sister of Veronika Kudermetova, who once ranked ninth in the world, and will now represent Uzbekistan. According to her latest updated WTA profile, Polina has officially switched from Russia to Uzbekistan, marking another notable nationality change in women’s tennis.

In recent years, especially since February 24, 2022, nationality changes on the WTA Tour have become increasingly common. Due to restrictions placed on Russian athletes in various tournaments, many can only compete under a neutral flag, prompting several players to start fresh by representing other countries—both professionally and symbolically. For Polina Kudermetova, who is at a crucial stage in her career, this shift signifies a brand-new beginning.

Polina was born on June 4, 2003, in Moscow, Russia. She made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2023 Australian Open; her highest WTA singles ranking reached No. 54 (April 14, 2025), and her best doubles ranking was No. 203 (September 15, 2025). In singles, she has won nine ITF titles, with her best Grand Slam result being the second round at the 2025 US Open.

Still steadily finding her place on the tour, Polina Kudermetova has now joined Uzbekistan’s growing tennis roster. This country has actively welcomed players seeking stability and opportunities in recent years. Is Uzbekistan aiming for a breakthrough in the Billie Jean King Cup? Let’s hear what Uzbek tennis officials think about these new additions.

Switching sports nationality from Russia indeed brings several practical benefits. Firstly, it removes obstacles to participating in international team competitions like the Billie Jean King Cup and the United Cup, events that carry great prestige and valuable ranking points. Uzbekistan’s tennis authorities have responded positively to multiple high-level players switching allegiance from Russia, believing this will significantly boost the nation’s influence in the global tennis scene.

Sador Kamilov, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan Tennis Federation, previously commented on Kamila Rashimova’s joining: “Kamila Rashimova’s inclusion in the Uzbekistan national team is a historic event. She has proven herself to be a strong and highly competitive player fully capable of facing the world’s top athletes. We warmly welcome her and believe she will achieve great victories under the Uzbekistan flag, go further, and set new records.”

Undoubtedly, Polina Kudermetova’s addition will further strengthen the team. When Maria Timofeeva changed nationality, the Russian sports website Sportbox.ru described it as “a loss for Russian tennis.” With more WTA players representing Uzbekistan, officials believe this momentum could inspire the next generation of local players.

However, for Russia, the rising number of nationality changes has become an issue that cannot be ignored. So, who else is on this list? Players such as Kasatkina, Grachyova, Avanesyan, and Zaramize have all switched from Russia to compete for other countries.

Interestingly, Polina’s sister, former top-ten player Veronika Kudermetova, has recently expressed her love for competing in Russia. She spoke about the unique feeling of playing at home: “Just knowing you’re competing in Russia, surrounded by people speaking Russian—whether family or strangers who came specifically for the tennis—makes the experience completely different from playing abroad during the season. The atmosphere in Saint Petersburg is very special; it feels like home.”

Since 2021, Russia has not hosted ATP or WTA tour events, but the Northern Palmira Cup has continued since 2022. Veronika’s words reflect her emotions when playing on home soil. She also mentioned how much she enjoys returning to Russia, especially spending time in her hometown Kazan.

The two sisters have chosen different paths. What is your opinion on the growing trend of nationality changes in tennis?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Huohua)