Lazy writing or just a coincidence? Potapova announcement to nation switch exact same as Kasatkina in bizarre incident

The main news breaking this week has been based a lot around Russian players trading nationalities. The latest was Anastasia Potapova who will represent Austria from 2026 onwards. However, there have been similarities noted with her and Daria Kasatkina's announcement on social media.

Kasatkina switched alliances from Russia to Australia at the start of the year, and posted a written explanation on social media confirming this. It is a standard thing most sport professionals do when breaking some news. This was no different when Potapova recently changed nationalities. In fact, fans are now starting to realise that the message Potapova attached to her post was the exact same as Kasatkina's, just switching Australia to Austria.

"I am delighted to let you all know that my application for citizenship has been accepted by the Austrian Government. Austria is a place I love, is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home. I love being in Wien and look forward to making my second home there. As part of this I am proud to announce that starting from 2026 I will be representing my new homeland Austria in my professional tennis career from this point onwards," Potapova's caption read.

This was found out by a user on X, who showcased their findings with a caption reading: "Not she copying Dasha's words but only replaced Australia with Austria."

Potapova's switch is the most recent of a number of players representing Russia looking for a new start. Recently at an exhibition in St. Petersburg, Potapova stated in a press conference her frustration in not being able to compete in team events such as Billie Jean King Cup and United Cup. This is due to Russia being suspended amid the Ukraine war. They and Belarus players are not only prevented from competing but have to play under a neutral flag, unable to represent their country on the big stage. This will no longer be the case for Potapova who will become the Austrian number one. Currently ranked as world number 51, she will be hoping to once more climb back up the rankings.

Earlier in the year, Kasatkina confirmed her switch to Australia, and has already enjoyed a full year as an Aussie. She cited her decision over the war in Ukraine and restricted LGBTQ+ laws. Her tennis career has taken a slide in form. She dropped outside of the top 10 and fallen down the rankings, skipping the Asian swing due to mental and physical exhaustion. A return to Australia will be an exciting one for her and the fans as she looks to get her career back on track.

Just before the news broke about Potapova, Kamilla Rakhimova also confirmed her switch to Uzbekistan. She has recently competed under her new flag, competing in the WTA 125 event in Angers, France. She is looking to get herself automatic entry into the Grand Slam, and is making good progress having defeated Mona Barthel in straight sets to secure a spot in the semi-final. She has already moved up four places to 108 in the world, with the top 104 the target for an automatic spot in the Australian Open. Katie Boulter takes up that position, with one more win from Rakhimova just squeezing her ahead of the former British number one. The Australian Open will take place between January 18 - February 2.