Russian-born Elina Avanesyan changes citizenship, will now represent Armenia

The world No. 58 was born in Pyatigorsk, Russia to Armenian parents and has played as a neutral athlete since the Russian and Belarusian invasion into Ukraine.

ByDavid Kane

Published Aug 06, 2024

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Russian-born women’s tennis player Elina Avanesyan will officially represent Armenia, the world No. 58 confirmed on social media Tuesday.

“I am proud to share that I am officially a citizen of Armenia,” wrote Avanesyan. “Excited for this new chapter and to bring success to my ancestral homeland. 🎾”

I am proud to share that I am officially a citizen of Armenia, and I am honored to be competing under my Armenian flag starting at the Cincinnati Open on Monday! Excited for this new chapter and to bring success to my ancestral homeland. 🎾 pic.twitter.com/v46Kc6dvB5
— Elina Avanesyan (@ElinaaAvanesyan) August 6, 2024

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Avanesyan was born to Armenian parents who relocated to Russia during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1992. The 21-year-old, who reached her first WTA final last month in Romania, previously played under the Russian flag before competing as a neutral athlete in the wake of the Russian-Belarus invasion into Ukraine.

Currently at a career-high ranking, Avanesyan has reached the second week of Roland Garros for the last two years, defeating future Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in Paris en route to the fourth round back in June.

Avanesyan, who is the only Armenian athlete on the WTA rankings, will play her first Grand Slam tournament since making the switch at the 2024 US Open later this month.