Anastasia Potapova, who is set to face Jessica Pegula in the fourth round of the 2026 Italian Open, opened up about her transition to a new nationality despite previously facing major criticism from Iga Swiatek. Potapova changed her nationality from Russian to Austrian last year.
Russian-born Potapova has climbed to the No.1 Austrian women’s tennis player ranking following her transition in December 2025. The change was effective from the current season. Since her shift, she has had an impressive clay season with 14 victories out of 17 matches.
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Although Potapova has enjoyed a remarkable run under a new flag, the Saratov-born 25-year-old tennis player hasn’t forgotten her roots. In a press conference, when asked to reflect on the conversion of her nationality ahead of her next faceoff, Potapova said:
“I always going to have my Russian roots. You cannot take out of me this. It’s been such a big part of my life. My family is still there, of course. As I said, at the moment I’m adapting in new country. It’s going good so far. I’m being proud of.”
Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2023, Potapova was seen wearing an FC Spartak Moscow soccer jersey during her third-round match against Pegula. Iga Swiatek slammed the Russian-born player, stating her surprise.
“I’m just living in the moment” – Anastasia Potapova reflects on her preparation against Jessica Pegula
Anastasia Potapova will square off with Jessica Pegula for the sixth time on the WTA Tour during the Round of 16 at the Italian Open on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Foro Italico Complex in Rome, Italy. The American player is leading the head-to-head score with 5-0. In a press conference before the game, when asked about her approach towards the Charleston Open winner, Potapova said:
“At the moment I didn’t think about it yet. Yeah, as I said, I’m just living in the moment. I don’t know if we’re going to play tomorrow, after tomorrow. Yeah, I mean, now I’m just focusing on the recovery and let’s see later what we going to discuss with my team.”
Pegula dominated Potapova at the 2021 Qatar Open and US Open, 2023 Indian Wells and Miami Open, and 2024 Wuhan Open. While the American has posted an 8-1 win-loss record on clay in 2026, Potapova has recorded 14-3.
Edited by Janhavi Shinde
