Waleria Olianowska is a Russian-born Polish tennis player recently gained Polish nationality and will be playing under the white and red colours from now on. 

The 23-year-old athlete has long sought to play in white and red colours. Olianovskaia has been training in Poland for over six years and received Polish citizenship a few months ago. Recently, she has been trying to have her WTA ranking changed to be presented as a Polish tennis player.

Efforts around the entire matter have borne fruit, which can now be seen on the official WTA website on the young tennis player’s profile, given that she condemns the actions of the Russian military in Ukraine. 

After the aggression against Ukraine, Waleria did not want to play under the Russian flag.  Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she unequivocally condemned Putin and the Russian aggressors in a moving post on Instagram: „Almost two weeks ago it was my birthday, but instead of celebrating with friends, I could only think about what is happening in Ukraine. Human life and freedom are the most important values that we should protect at all costs. I wholeheartedly support and pray for the people in Ukraine. If any of you or your loved ones need help, do not hesitate to write to me.”

It then became clear that she would probably not be able to count on playing for her national team in the near future.

„I feel great in Poland, absolutely fantastic […] I am very grateful to Poland for this opportunity and to everyone who helped me along the way. […] Every day I give thanks for having these opportunities, for being able to come to Kozerki and play” – Olianowska said a few months ago in an interview with Interia. 

Olianowska made her WTA Tour main draw debut at the 2021 WTA Poland Open, having received a wildcard entry into the singles tournament.

Image: Instagram (@leraolianovskaia)

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen