Following Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, ATP World No. 48 Alexander Shevchenko forgoes Russian nationality to play for Kazakhstan instead

Russian tennis player Alexander Shevchenko follows Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik's footsteps as he moves to Kazakhstan.

Following Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, ATP World No. 48 Alexander Shevchenko forgoes Russian nationality to play for Kazakhstan instead

Alexander Shevchenko (Image via Reuters)

Russian tennis player Alexander Shevchenko has followed in the footsteps of Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik as the 23-year-old has officially moved to Kazakhstan to pursue his professional career. Shevchenko confirmed the development on Wednesday as he put up a story on his Instagram handle.

The 23-year-old was always inclined to move to Kazakhstan as he had reportedly approached the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation regarding an allegiance switch earlier in 2023. The vice president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Yuri Polsky, then revealed in October 2023 that the then-World No. 84 intends to represent the country.

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Now, Shevchenko has confirmed that he will be representing Kazakhstan from next week onwards. The Russian put up a story on Instagram on Saturday.

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

What is attracting Russian players to Kazakhstan?

Alexander Shevchenko is not the first Russian player to move to Kazakhstan. After tennis authorities barred Russian and Belarusian players from taking part in tournaments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the players have sought this option. The reason is a trusted man in Bulat Utemuratov.

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Elena Rybakina hugs Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation after Wimbledon win (Image via NY Times)

The President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation has been working tirelessly to turn the country into a tennis nation and it is paying dividends. Elena Rybakina had credited Utemuratove for his “unbelievable support” after her Wimbledon win in 2022.

The 65-year-old has said that he liked the sport from the beginning and hence is working towards developing it. The billionaire has been providing the required support to the players and in turn, he is getting world-class players to represent his country. Alexander Shevchenko, the World No. 48 is the latest to join hands.

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