Russian tennis player Natela Dzalamidze acquired Georgian citizenship in order to participate in the third grand slam tournament of the season, Wimbledon. According to the news in the British press, 29-year-old Dzalamidze, born in Moscow, resorted to this method to take part in Wimbledon, where Belarusian and Russian tennis players were not allowed due to the ongoing war between Belarus-supported Russia and Ukraine.
Wimbledon management, which made an evaluation on the subject, stated that they “do not have the power” to prevent this method, and that Belarusian and Russian tennis players cannot be prevented from participating in the tournament by becoming a citizen of another country.
Women’s doubles world number 43 Natela Dzalamidze, who participated in the French Open, the second grand slam tournament of the season, with the title of “neutral athlete”, had the joy of being the champion four times in the organizations of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in the same category.
Wimbledon will be held from 27 June to 10 July.