Russian tennis player Natela Dzalamidze switches nationality to play Wimbledon

London: Doubles player Natela Dzalamidze will play at Wimbledon after switching her nationality from Russia to Georgia.

Dzalamidze made this switch following Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ranked 44 in the world in doubles, Natela will be able to compete at SW19 alongside partner Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia.

The Moscow-born doubles specialist has represented her country of birth since debuting on the WTA Tour in 2015.

Following the Championships’ controversial decision, the ATP and WTA Tours elected to strip the event of ranking points. (UNI)