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Russian-born Alexander Shevchenko has announced that he is switching his allegiance to Kazakhstan.
Shevchenko, who was born in Rostov-on-Don, had been representing Russia since turning pro in 2018. But now, 23-year-old Shevchenko has decided to acquire Kazakhstani citizenship and represent Kazakhstan when he steps out on the court next time.
Over the last couple of years, several Russian-born players have switched their allegiances to other countries. Most notably, Elena Rybakina switched to Kazakhstan in 2018, while Alexander Bublik did it two years earlier. In one of the most recent cases, Varvara Gracheva acquired French citizenship last year and has been representing France since.
"Hi everyone, just want to let everyone know that from next week on I will represent Kazakhstan on the court. I'm very proud about it and can't wait to step on the court, trying to make memorable moments for myself and the country," Shevchenko said in an announcement made on his Instagram Story.
Shevchenko has been on the rise over the last couple of months
After breaking into the top-100 for the first time in his career in mid-2023, Shevchenko continued his rise in the second part of the 2023 season.
In late 2023, Shevchenko made the quarterfinal at an ATP 500 event in Basel before reaching his maiden ATP final the following week in Metz. After reaching his first final in Metz, Shevchenko fell just short of winning the title after losing to Ugo Humbert.
After a breakthrough season in 2023, Shevchenko started the 2024 season with back-to-back round-of-16 appearances in Brisbane and Adelaide. Following those two results, Shevchenko achieved a career-high ranking of No. 48 in the world.
After competing in Brisbane and Adelaide, Shevchenko didn't really do well at the Australian Open, losing to Jaume Munar in the first round.
While Shevchenko didn't make any really strong runs in Australia, he still left Australia with a new career-best ranking. In the remainder of 2024, there is no doubt that Shevchenko will be looking to continue his rise and potentially win his first ATP title this year.