Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev doesn't consider Kamilla Rakhimova's decision to switch national allegiance to Uzbekistan "a betrayal," as he says the Ekaterinburg-born player made the move because she wanted to make the next Olympics - something that probably wouldn't be possible if she continued competing under the Russian flag.
A few days ago, Rakhimova - who achieved a singles career-high ranking of No. 60 last December - switched her nationality from Russia to Uzbekistan.
This was the third case of a Russian player switching allegiance to a different country in 2025. In late March, eight-time WTA champion Daria Kasatkina started representing Australia. Maria Timofeeva, a 22-year-old player ranked at No. 146 in the world, is now also playing under the Uzbekistani flag.
"Kamila Rakhimova joining the Uzbekistan national team is an event of historic significance," Uzbekistan's Tennis Federation said in a statement. The federation also expressed its hope to see the 24-year-old "set new records under the Uzbekistan flag."
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Tarpischev: Rakhimova remains Russian... She made the move because of the upcoming Olympics
"This isn't betrayal, but a desire to play. She remains Russian, but she's simply changing her sporting citizenship. These moves are happening because of the upcoming Olympics. She wouldn't have made our national team. She could make it for Uzbekistan. But it's not a given that she'll make it. To qualify for the Olympics, you need to be in the top 60 or top 70," Tarpischev told Russian news agency TASS.
In singles, Rakhimova has won nine titles in the lower-tier events, and she is currently ranked at No. 112 in the world. The 24-year-old has had more success in doubles, winning four titles on the main level and being ranked as high as No. 51 in the world.
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It is worth mentioning that Rakhimova has certain ties to Uzbekistan since her mother represented the country in the younger categories, and her brother was also born in Tashkent.
