For a country whose current WTA representatives are largely outside the Top 1000, Uzbekistan is making a clear statement of intent by quickly strengthening its presence in women’s tennis through the addition of established tour players.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing political circumstances, citizenship changes have become an increasingly attractive option for Russian athletes, and Kudermetova is the latest to take this step. The 22-year-old is currently ranked 104 in the world, giving Uzbekistan an immediate and significant boost. Her older sister, world number 30 Veronika Kudermetova, a former Top 10 player and 2022 French Open quarter-finalist, will continue to represent Russia.
After building momentum on the lower circuit, Polina made a breakthrough appearance at the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane at the start of the 2025 season, reaching the final as a qualifier. In a remarkable run, she even took the opening set from world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka before eventually falling in three sets. Later in the season, Polina climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 54 and achieved her first Grand Slam win in the main draw at the US Open. (photo: Jimmy48)
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