WTA star Kamilla Rakhimova switches nationality from Russia to Uzbekistan, becoming the nation’s top player and marking a historic moment for Uzbek tennis.
Kamilla Rakhimova Switches Nationality to Uzbekistan: A New Era for Uzbek Tennis
The 2025 tennis season has been filled with unexpected storylines, and one of the most notable trends has been the surge of WTA players switching nationalities. While Daria Kasatkina’s highly publicized switch to Australia grabbed early headlines this year, she is far from the only player making a major change. Now, another significant move has taken place as Kamilla Rakhimova officially transitions from representing Russia to competing under the Uzbekistan flag.
The switch marks a major moment not only in Rakhimova’s career but also in the history of Uzbekistani tennis.
A Growing List of 2025 Nationality Changes in Tennis
Rakhimova’s decision comes during a year in which several players have reconsidered their national affiliations. Kasatkina’s move only months earlier signaled a substantial shift in the sport, but her season ended prematurely after she admitted she had reached a “breaking point” mentally and physically.
Another Russian-born player, Maria Timofeeva, also switched allegiances to represent Uzbekistan earlier this year. Now, with Rakhimova joining her, Uzbekistan is emerging as a surprising new home for rising tennis talent.
Rakhimova’s Journey: From Russia to Uzbekistan
Kamilla Rakhimova, currently ranked world No. 112, has represented Russia throughout her professional career since 2019. However, the 24-year-old has deep personal ties to Uzbekistan, a fact that played a major role in her decision. Her mother—herself a talented junior tennis player—represented Uzbekistan in her youth. That heritage has now inspired Rakhimova to honor her roots and play for the nation her family once represented.
The Uzbek Tennis Federation confirmed her switch with enthusiasm, announcing that Rakhimova will officially compete under the Uzbekistan flag moving forward. The move instantly elevates her to the country’s No. 1 active women’s tennis player.
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A Rising Career With Impressive Achievements
Rakhimova has been steadily building her reputation on the WTA Tour. While her current ranking places her just outside the Top 100, she has climbed as high as world No. 60 during her career—a clear indication of her potential.
In 2024, she won the biggest singles title of her career at the WTA 125 event in Guadalajara, a victory that placed her firmly on the tennis world’s radar. Even more impressive are her wins over top-tier opponents. Rakhimova stunned many at Wimbledon earlier this year by defeating Jasmine Paolini, who had reached the Wimbledon final just months before. She also holds wins over rising star Mirra Andreeva and established player Ekaterina Alexandrova.
In doubles, Rakhimova has also made a significant mark. She has won three WTA doubles titles and reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in women’s doubles earlier this year, placing her on the verge of breaking into the Top 50.
Her balance of singles and doubles success makes her one of the most versatile players Uzbekistan has ever gained.
Uzbekistan Celebrates a Historic Addition
The Tennis Federation of Uzbekistan has expressed enormous excitement about Rakhimova’s arrival. FTU Secretary General Sador Kamilov described the move as a milestone moment for the country:
“The arrival of Kamila Rakhimova to the Uzbekistan national team is an event of historic significance,” Kamilov stated. He praised her strength, competitiveness, and ability to challenge the world’s best players. Uzbekistan, he emphasized, believes she will achieve “great victories” and set “new records” under its flag.
Rakhimova’s shift immediately places her ahead of Maria Timofeeva (No.146) and Laima Vladson (No.874) in Uzbekistan’s women’s rankings. Her experience and potential give the national team a powerful anchor for both the Billie Jean King Cup and individual WTA events.
Following in the Footsteps of Uzbekistan’s Tennis Legends
While Rakhimova becomes Uzbekistan’s top active player, she still trails behind one of the country’s greatest athletes: Iroda Tulyaganova. Tulyaganova reached world No. 16 in 2002, winning three WTA singles titles and capturing gold at the Asian Games that same year. She remains one of Uzbekistan’s defining sports icons.
On the men’s side, the highest-ranked Uzbek player in history is Denis Istomin, who peaked at world No. 33 in 2012. Istomin famously defeated Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2017, a match still considered one of the biggest Grand Slam upsets of the decade.
Currently, Uzbekistan’s men’s field is not as competitive, with Sergey Fomin ranked at world No. 345. Rakhimova’s arrival could shine a spotlight on tennis in the country and inspire new growth, especially among young women players.
A New Chapter for Rakhimova and Uzbekistan
For Kamilla Rakhimova, the switch is more than a formality—it represents a fresh start and a deeper connection to her family’s heritage. For Uzbekistan, it marks a turning point. With Rakhimova entering her athletic prime, Uzbekistan gains a player capable of making deep runs in tournaments, upsetting top stars, and elevating the nation’s visibility in international tennis.
As the tennis world continues to evolve, nationality switches like these reflect both personal journeys and broader shifts in global sports. For Rakhimova, the move could ignite the next stage of her career. For Uzbekistan, it may spark a new era of competitive tennis on the world stage.
