Mirra Andreeva makes feelings clear on changing nationality as rivals defect from Russia

Mirra Andreeva has no plans to copy Daria Kasatkina and change her nationality. The 18-year-old is unable to compete in several competitions, including the Olympics and the Davis Cup, under the Russian flag. She must do so as a neutral athlete without the flag and without the national anthem, having teamed with Diana Shnaider in Paris 2024 to win the silver medal under the name Individual Neutral Athletes.

Several players have stopped representing Russia since the invasion of Ukraine back in 2022. One of the latest was Russian-born Kasatkina, who recently gained Australian citizenship. Similarly, Anastasia Potapova now represents Austria having switched in December. But Andreeva has not considered copying her peers despite spending the last few years training in Cannes, France. The teenager, speaking at the Australian Open, said: "I haven't even thought about it, I've heard and seen it lately, especially about Kasatkina and how she changed her citizenship.

"Many players have switched, but I'm going to keep playing as I am, I haven't had any offers or anything like that, so for now, I'll continue as is. It doesn't bring any extra pressure for me. I'm just doing my thing on the court. I focus on how to improve and be a better tennis player."

Kasatkina, 28, came out as gay four years ago and is relieved to have changed nationalities. "Finally I can just breathe. I can live and just do my job and not be worried about the things which are not in my control," she said.

"The last season was very, very tough. I was trying to get out of this hole basically." While Russian-born Potapova said after changing allegiances that Austria "is incredibly welcoming and a place where I feel totally at home".

She added from Melbourne, before beating British No.1 Emma Raducanu in straight sets: "It feels amazing, to be honest. I really do feel the support from people. I'm getting a lot of messages from Austrian people.

"I really feel proud of representing this country now. I swear I'm going to try to do my best. I have been living there for last couple of years, actually. I didn't happen all of a sudden. We have been working on it for long time to be honest.

"I actually do like Austria, and Vienna especially. Yeah, it's my second home. Especially now it's my first home. So, I really like it."

But others, like former world No.1 and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, say they will never give up Russian citizenship.

"As I said, I respect and completely understand everyone," he said. "It's something that, in the sports world, you can do, maybe it's easier for us than for other people. I have never thought about doing it because I believe where you are born is important, it means something.

"Politics and such topics are separate, so I have never considered it. But well, many players have changed, and I remain friends with them. I am friends with many, it's their decision."