Nationality switch allows Russian-born Dzalamidze to play Wimbledon
The All England Lawn Tennis Club looks the other way as she lists herself as Georgian
20 June 2022 - 14:56
byAadi Nair
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Moscow-born Natela Dzalamidze will be able to compete at Wimbledon despite a ban on Russian and Belarusian players at this year’s championships after she changed her nationality to represent Georgia.
The 29-year-old is listed as being from Georgia in Wimbledon’s entry list for the women’s doubles, where she is set to partner Serbian Aleksandra Krunic. Her nationality is Georgian on the WTA Tour’s website.
In April the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing at Wimbledon due to the invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been a main staging area for Russian troops.
The AELTC said it has no involvement in players’ change of nationality.
“Player nationality, defined as the flag they play under at professional events, is an agreed process that is governed by the tours and the ITF,” a spokesperson for the AELTC told Reuters.
The WTA and ITF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The grass-court Grand Slam, which begins on June 27, has been stripped of its ranking points by the ATP and WTA Tours over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus.
Earlier in June, the US Tennis Association said Russian and Belarusian players would be allowed to compete at the US Open this year under a neutral flag.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Nationality switch allows Russian-born Dzalamidze to play Wimbledon
The All England Lawn Tennis Club looks the other way as she lists herself as Georgian
Moscow-born Natela Dzalamidze will be able to compete at Wimbledon despite a ban on Russian and Belarusian players at this year’s championships after she changed her nationality to represent Georgia.
The 29-year-old is listed as being from Georgia in Wimbledon’s entry list for the women’s doubles, where she is set to partner Serbian Aleksandra Krunic. Her nationality is Georgian on the WTA Tour’s website.
In April the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing at Wimbledon due to the invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been a main staging area for Russian troops.
The AELTC said it has no involvement in players’ change of nationality.
“Player nationality, defined as the flag they play under at professional events, is an agreed process that is governed by the tours and the ITF,” a spokesperson for the AELTC told Reuters.
The WTA and ITF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The grass-court Grand Slam, which begins on June 27, has been stripped of its ranking points by the ATP and WTA Tours over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus.
Earlier in June, the US Tennis Association said Russian and Belarusian players would be allowed to compete at the US Open this year under a neutral flag.
Reuters
Dominant Matteo Berrettini wins second straight Queen’s title
Medvedev replaces Djokovic at top of world rankings
Zverev fights back to beat Baez in Paris
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Tears flow as Tsonga retires after French Open defeat
Alcaraz ... the future of men’s tennis has arrived
Nadal admits fitness ‘far from perfect’ after rib injury
WTA chief says ban on Russian, Belarusian players breaks the rules
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.