Russian-born tennis player avoids Wimbledon ban by changing nationality

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Natela Dzalamidze, a Russian-born tennis player, will be able to compete at Wimbledon after all. 

The 29-year-old women’s doubles player will be representing Georgia at the All England Club tournament starting next week after previously competing under the natural flag at the French Open last month, according to the WTA website. 

Natela Dzalamidze in action during the game between Natela Dzalamidze - Kaja Juvan and Aleksandra Krunic - Pattinama Kerkhove in Transylvania Open Doubles Semifinals, in BT Arena Cluj-Napoca, Oct., 30 2021.  (Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"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 (International Tennis Federation)," an All England Club spokeswoman said in an email to the Associated Press over the weekend. 

Tournament organizers announced back in April that Russian and Belarusian players would be banned from competing at Wimbledon because of the invasion of Ukraine. 

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"In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships," the statement read. 

Alicia Barnett (not seen) and Olivia Nicholls (not seen) compete with Natela Dzalamidze and Kamilla Rakhimova (not seen) during semi-final match of TEB BNP Paribas Tennis Championship Istanbul women's clay court tournament at TTF Istanbul Tennis Center in Istanbul, Turkiye on April 23, 2022.  (Onur Ãoban/Anadolu