Russia’s Mirra Andreeva Reveals If She’s Thinking of Changing Her Nationality: “Many Players Have Done It”

Mirra Andreeva is not thinking about following in the footsteps of several of her fellow Russian-born tennis players who have changed their nationalities. Andreeva, who is competing at the Australian Open, has made the third round for the third consecutive time with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Greece’s Maria Sakkari in an hour and seven minutes.

At the press conference later, she was asked whether she ever considered switching her nationality. Last year in March, Daria Kasatkina became an Australian citizen to “breathe”, while in December, Anastasia Potapova changed her sporting nationality to Austrian. Daniil Medvedev has never thought of changing his country, and neither has Andreeva.

I haven’t even thought about it. I’ve heard about it and seen it lately, especially regarding Kasatkina and how she changed her citizenship. A lot of players have changed, but I’m going to continue playing this way. I didn’t receive any offers or anything like that, so for now I’ll continue like this. It doesn’t put any extra pressure on me; I’m still doing my thing on the court. I’m focused on how to improve and become a better tennis player.

Mirra Andreeva said

Switching allegiance has become frequent after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian players cannot participate in the Billie Jean King Cup or the Davis Cup, the two prestigious team tournaments. Russia is also banned from hosting any ATP or WTA-sanctioned events. Although the players from these two countries are not banned from competing, they have to play under a neutral flag.

Mirra Andreeva analyzes her match against Maria Sakkari

Mirra Andreeva bageled an opponent in the first set for the first time since the opening round of the 2025 US Open, she played against Alycia Parks. Prior to Maria Sakkari, the 18-year-old knocked out Donna Vekic in three sets (she bageled Vekic in the third set). At the press conference, Andreeva analyzed her match.

We know Maria is a very aggressive player; she likes to hit her forehand and her backhand. I tried to neutralize her shots from the baseline, to be solid, but at the same time, I wanted to have the opportunity to intervene and take advantage of my situation. I felt the plan was working well, then I lost a bit of concentration because she’s human too, and she started playing better. In the second set, I felt I had some tough games where anything could have happened, so I’m happy we didn’t have to play a third set.

Mirra Andreeva said

Sakkari, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, has never progressed beyond the fourth round of the Melbourne Major. She made those two semifinals at the 2021 French Open and the US Open the same year. The 30-year-old hasn’t yet won a title since lifting her career’s first Big Title at the 2023 Guadalajara Open.

Prior to arriving in Melbourne, Andreeva lifted her career’s fourth singles title by defeating fellow teenager and reigning Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko in the Adelaide International final. But at the Brisbane International (her first tournament of the season), Andreeva suffered defeat at the hands of eventual runner-up Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinals.

Last year, Andreeva lifted two back-to-back Big Titles. After clinching the Dubai Open against Clara Tauson, Andreeva upset Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final. Andreeva produced her best Grand Slam performance when she reached the semifinals of the 2024 French Open. Last year in Majors, she made two quarterfinals- at the French Open and the US Open.

In the ongoing Major, Andreeva will next face Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who defeated Ajla Tomljanovic in the previous round. The upcoming match will be their first head-to-head meeting.

Also read: (Video) Coco Gauff and Chris Eubanks Share Hilarious Off-Court Moment at the Australian Open

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