At the beginning of this week it was announced that Moscow-born Kudermetova – who represented Russia in the first six years of her professional career – would now play under the Uzbek flag.
Since starting her career, the 22-year-old has had success at the lower level, winning a total of nine tournaments. In early 2025, the player currently ranked No. 104 also reached her first WTA final in Brisbane before losing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. A few months after finishing second in Brisbane, she also achieved a career-high ranking of No. 54 in the world.
Kafelnikov: Kudermetova’s departure will not affect Russia in any way… I don’t consider it a loss
“Only the President of our Federation, Shamil Tarpischev, can officially announce Polina Kudermetova’s switch to the Uzbek flag. Personally, I know that Polina’s boyfriend is an Uzbek citizen. He is the one who got her involved; it is completely normal. I do not consider Kudermetova’s departure as a loss for our tennis. She has made her decision and it will not affect Russia in any way. What kind of athlete will she be remembered as? I I can’t even comment on that,” Kafelnikov, gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said via Championship.
Two weeks earlier, Russian-born Kamila Rakhimova also changed her citizenship in Uzbekistan. At No. 97, Rakhimova is the top-ranked Uzbek female tennis player, while Kudermetova is now the Uzbek No. 2.
Earlier this year, rising star Maria Timofeeva also began representing Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Daria Kasatkina now plays for Australia and Anastasia Potapova represents Austria.
In confirming Kudermetova as their new players, the Uzbek Tennis Federation said the move would help tennis growth in their country.
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