Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova addressed the topic of Russian players changing their sports citizenship.
“Of course, it makes me sad. It`s sad to see athletes we know leaving and starting to play for other countries. But fundamentally, it`s their choice, and I can`t condemn anyone,” she said.
“Unfortunately, there is very little support for athletes in our country. I`m talking about tennis right now – that`s the area I understand. I don`t work in the federation, but I hear many echoes and stories. For example, I know that [Elena] Rybakina needed financial support. The amount wasn`t even that large by the standards of the country and the federation. But she didn`t receive it. And ultimately, she started playing for another country. I heard this from Rybakina`s team – perhaps the federation would have a different opinion.”
“So, you can`t generalize here. Everyone has their own situation, their own reasons. Some leave to have the opportunity to grow and develop. Speaking for myself, I was very lucky that my parents could afford my tennis. And yes, I was offered to play for Spain and America, and there would have been more favorable contracts and funding. But I chose to stay. It was important for me to represent the country where I was born and where I feel at home. And I`ve never regretted it.”
“But again: everyone makes their own choice. Until you`ve been in their shoes, or in this case, sneakers, you can`t truly understand what a person is going through. Often, switching isn`t about `betrayal,` but about the desire to survive in the profession, to realize one`s potential, to achieve success.”
“Naturally, I really wish there was more support in Russia: funding, tournaments, conditions for growth. Then there would be fewer reasons to leave. But for now, unfortunately, the situation is far from ideal. I truly hope that this will change in the future.”
“I would very much like athletes to receive the kind of support they get, for example, in my father`s team, where cyclists are provided with free food, accommodation, education, and training. In my opinion, exactly this kind of system is necessary in tennis as well, so that promising children have a place to train, good coaches, and all necessary conditions, including accommodation and education,” Kuznetsova wrote in a Telegram channel.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely