The Russians snorted at the decision.
Anastasia Potapova is no longer going to represent Russia. Zumawire / MVPHOTOS
A tennis player Anastasia Potapova24, announced that he will compete in the future under the flag of his “new home” Austria.
Potapova announced that her application for citizenship in Austria has been approved. Potapova was born in Russia and has represented Russia until now.
– Austria is a place I love. It is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel completely at home. I love being in Vienna and I’m really looking forward to making my second home there, Potapova wrote.
Potapova’s decision was frowned upon in Russia.
– I do not enjoy commenting on this news. Should I have an opinion on this? Vice President of the Russian Tennis Federation Yevgeny Kafelnikov quoth.
– Was he a strong athlete? What has he ever won for Russia? Kafelnikov was foaming at the mouth and announced that Potapova’s departure is a good thing and she will not be missed.
– Is Potapova someone special? He did what he did, Russian hockey legend and current politician Vyacheslav Fetisov quoth.
Potapova won the Wimbledon girls’ tournament in 2016. Currently, Potapova is ranked 51st in the world.
Potapova’s decision was not widely praised in Russia. EPA / AOP
Potapova is dating a Dutch tennis professional Tallon’s Griekspoor with. The couple was just recently in Russia for an exhibition tournament, although the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly urged Griekspoor to withdraw from the trip to Russia and to consider the moral aspects of the trip.
During the tournament, Potapova gave interviews but did not hint about switching to the Austrian flag.
Instead, Potapova announced that she will aim for the top 20 players in the world and will change her entire background team.