Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked female tennis player, has made her position clear when it comes to her national representation. During a recent appearance on Piers Morgan’s show alongside Nick Kyrgios, the Belarusian star was confronted with a question that has lingered throughout her career.
As several of her peers have opted to change their sporting nationality to compete under a different flag, Sabalenka chose to articulate her unwavering commitment to her nation with emotional conviction.
Reason Why Aryna Sabalenka Won’t Change Her Nationality
During her conversation with Piers Morgan, the broadcaster posed a direct and increasingly relevant question to Sabalenka regarding her future representation in professional tennis. Morgan asked the Belarusian whether she would consider switching her nationality to represent a different flag in upcoming major tournaments, such as the Olympic Games. The question carried significant weight, given that numerous athletes from Russian and Belarusian backgrounds have made this choice precisely in recent months.
Sabalenka’s response demonstrated the depth of her connection to her homeland. “I have always been really proud to represent such a small country,” she stated clearly.
“I’m an inspiration for the young kids there, and changing my nationality, it’s not the case for me because I don’t want to betray all those kids,” Sabalenka described as one of the main reasons why she isn’t considering changing her nationality.
“So I would like to represent Belarus just for the kids from that country to see me competing on a high level and get inspired by me,” she added. The World No. 1 concluded her thoughts by articulating a vision of representation that extended beyond personal glory or sport itself.
Could Sabalenka change nationalities? Nope she says ” I don’t want to betray those kids, I want to represent Belarus for these kids from that country to see me competing on a high level and get inspired by me” 🥹🥹https://t.co/n6PN2GVqxL pic.twitter.com/AielxxN2Sm
— Liviefromparis 🇫🇷🤸🏼♀️🎾 (@Livieparis2024) December 10, 2025
“Hopefully, by my example, I’ll show them that if I was able to make it from that little country in the world, make it all the way to the top, I want them to think that they also can do that,” Sabalenka stated, her words carrying clear emotional weight.
Recent Trends of Russian and Belarusian Players Changing Nationalities
Sabalenka’s steadfast commitment to Belarus stands in stark contrast to the growing trend of athletes from Russia and Belarus choosing to switch their sporting nationality. Her decision becomes even more remarkable when viewed against the backdrop of high-profile changes made by other prominent players in recent years.
Just a few days ago, Russian-born tennis player Anastasia Potapova announced that she would be representing Austria starting in 2026, after receiving Austrian citizenship. The 24-year-old, currently ranked World No. 50, announced on Instagram on December 4, 2025.
Similarly, Daria Kasatkina, the world’s 37th-ranked player, officially began representing Australia in March 2025 after gaining permanent residency in the country. Kasatkina, 2022 French Open semifinalist with a career-high ranking of World No. 8 and eight WTA singles titles to her name, had been competing under a neutral flag since 2022.
Following the same trend, Varvara Gracheva transitioned to French citizenship in June 2023, having lived and trained in France for over five years. Elina Avanesyan, born in Russia to Armenian parents, became an Armenian citizen in August 2024.
However, Sabalenka’s decision sends a message to young athletes in Belarus that loyalty and perseverance in difficult circumstances can still yield extraordinary success on the global stage.