Varvara Gracheva, the Russian professional tennis player, explained that she has begun the process of applying for French citizenship. She noted that the decision at the end would not rest solely with her, as other people will determine her future on the national stage. Gracheva reflected that when she started the application, the global landscape was very different, and the unfolding events of the time created a sense of urgency around opportunities that could open for athletes who have long-term ties to a country. She added that she would be content to represent either country, depending on how the process and the final decisions unfold, a sentiment she shared with reporters at the Daily Mail through her recent remarks.
The 22-year-old athlete has established deep roots in France, having studied in Cannes since 2016 and choosing to live in the country for seven years. Gracheva’s time in the south of France has helped shape her perspective on national representation in tennis, as she has integrated with the European training environment while pursuing her professional goals on the WTA Tour. This dual connection to Russia and France has become a notable topic among fans and commentators who follow her career closely.
In the latest WTA rankings, Gracheva sits at number 54 in the world, a position that underscores her continued presence among the tour’s competitive Russian players. The ranking landscape features Iga Swiatek of Poland continuing to lead, with Arina Sabalenko of Belarus in second place, and Jessica Pegula rounding out the top three. Among Russian athletes, Daria Kasatkina remains the best-placed compatriot, ranking eighth. These standings highlight the ongoing strength and depth of Russian tennis on the global stage, even as national eligibility questions hover over Gracheva’s future representation.
Previously, reports indicated that Anastasia Potapova was defeated by Jessica Pegula in the Miami quarterfinals, a result that added another layer to the season’s unfolding narrative for Russian players on the tour. The match outcomes at events like Miami often influence discussions about form, momentum, and potential shifts in national teams as players navigate travel, training, and eligibility considerations.