Several fans have weighed in on Anastasia Potapova’s recent remarks addressing allegations that she copied Daria Kasatkina’s comments after announcing her change of citizenship. The Russian-born player, who switched allegiance to Austria last December, found herself under scrutiny after observers drew parallels with Kasatkina’s statement earlier in 2025, when she opted to represent Australia.
Fans React As Anastasia Potapova Responds to the Allegations of Copying Daria Kasatkina’s Nationality Switch Statement
As previously noted, Potapova announced last December that she would represent Austria on tour from the following season, as her citizenship application had been approved. The three-time WTA titleholder’s move came amid a broader trend of Russian players changing national representation in the wake of the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
However, Potapova’s statement at the time drew scrutiny due to its striking resemblance to Daria Kasatkina’s remarks when she switched her representation to Australia in March 2025. Observers pointed to apparent overlaps in language, most notably a near-identical passage describing the new country as “a place I love, incredibly welcoming, and where I feel totally at home.”
When informed of Potapova’s comments, Kasatkina reacted playfully with a skull emoji before later clarifying that the same PR agency does not represent her and Potapova.
Potapova, currently in Melbourne, opened her Australian Open campaign with a 3–6, 7–5, 6–2 victory over Suzan Lamens to book her place in the next round. During her post-match press conference, a range of topics were addressed, including the statement announcing her change of citizenship.
When journalist Ben Rothenberg asked her about copying Kasatkina’s statement, Potapova responded, “I don’t find anything wrong with that because you cannot say it in a better way. And why not? It was perfect words. I loved it. We loved it with my team, with everyone,” she said.
“So, yeah, we gave it a shot. I don’t think that it’s something terrible happened. I think the media just blew it up just because they didn’t like me with the fact of it happening. I mean, who cares about posts, right?” she added.
Several fans later reacted to Potapova’s remarks, which quickly gained traction online, with many teasing her in the comments.
MORE: Anastasia Potapova’s Russia to Austria Switch Comes Almost 2 Years After Her Ex-Husband’s Move
“lol no shame whatsoever, terrible… she did not change for the same reason so taking Dasha’s words was just in really bad taste (and no it’s not normal to just copy 💀 tf)” One said.
“so her whole team agreed on copying dasha’s statement?? or do you think she only showed the text without mentioning it’s from dasha?? 😭 either way it’s embarrassing,” another said.
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“Ridiculous and embarrassing,” one commented.
A fan playfully suggested Potapova is dismissing or downplaying how unusual the similarities seemed, joking that her explanation feels unconvincing. “this girl is trying to gaslight us into thinking it’s not super f**king weird lmao,” they said.
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“😂😂. Basically saying “it was too good not to be copied. What a defense. 😂,” another joked.
“she’s so nonchalant i was almost convinced we were overreacting lmaooooo,” one remarked.
While Potapova has secured her place in the second round, Kasatkina is yet to begin her campaign and will face Nikola Bartunkova. According to PFSN’s simulator, the Aussie holds the advantage, with a 76% chance of winning.
