Natela Dzalamidze changes nationality from Russia to Georgia to play Wimbledon

A Russian tennis player Natela Dzalamidze, number 44 in the world in doubles, changed her nationality a week before Wimbledon, allowing her to compete in the tournament.

Wimbledon barred players from Russia and its ally, Belarus, from competing following the invasion of Ukraine, but the Championships were powerless to stop Dzalamidze. Dzalamidze told Insider that she already had a Georgian passport and was a dual citizen. She said she had discussed the nationality change with the Georgian Tennis Federation for years, adding:

"This decision has been made because I have the chance to represent Georgia at the Olympic Games in Paris"

She said she wouldn't have been able to do so for Russia because its "team is very strong." The International Tennis Federation verified Dzalamidze's Georgian passport before Wimbledon's entry deadline last week. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, International Tennis Federation, and Women's Tennis Association did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.