Elina Avanesyan: I Have Received Armenian Citizenship and I Will Proudly Represent Armenia

The world’s 58th-ranked tennis player Elina Avanesyan has confirmed on social media that she has changed her citizenship and will represent Armenia. The 21-year-old athlete previously represented Russia.

"It is a great honor to announce that I have received Armenian citizenship and will proudly represent Armenia starting from the tournament in Cincinnati on Monday. This journey has been incredible. I am happy for the opportunity to showcase my best qualities on the court and play for the homeland of my ancestors. I thank everyone for their unwavering support," Elina Avanesyan wrote.

The Armenian athlete was born in Pyatigorsk, Russia, and currently resides in Barcelona.