Alexander Shevchenko set to switch allegiances from Russia to Kazakhstan, wife Anastasia Potapova to follow?

World No. 48 Alexander Schevchenko announced a change in his flag and will represent Kazakhstan starting next week. The 23-year-old tennis player has competed under a 'neutral' flag for the past two years due to allegations and sanctions against Russia amid the war.

As he revealed on social media, he will now compete for Kazakhstan, following in the footsteps of Elena Rybakina, Aleksander Bublik, and Yulia Putintseva, who were born in Russia but received support from the Kazakh Tennis Federation in their early careers, deciding to compete under the Kazakh flag.

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With Schevchenko's announcement, there is speculation about whether his wife, Anastasia Potapova (world No. 27), will also join his decision since she currently competes under a neutral flag. Schevchenko made the announcement on social media, and starting Monday, he will appear with his new flag:

'Hi everyone, just want to let everyone know that from next week on, I will represent Kazakhstan on the court. I’m very proud about it and can’t wait to step on the court, trying to make memorable moments for myself and the country.'

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It is noteworthy that Schevchenko, unlike other tennis players who decided to represent Kazakhstan, made this decision while already being part of the tennis elite as a top-50 player. Others typically make such decisions at the beginning of their tennis careers, seeking support and better opportunities for their careers.

Recently, the Vice President of the Kazakh Tennis Federation, Yuri Polsky, detailed that Schevchenko approached them expressing his desire to represent Kazakhstan:

“He receives a residence permit in Kazakhstan, we talked with him a long time ago. Sasha [Alexander Shevchenko] wants to play for Kazakhstan,”

“Moreover, [Shevchenko] has not lived in Russia for a long time; he is based in Europe. I think that in the near future he will receive Kazakhstani citizenship and, accordingly, will join our team,” the vice president said