**Wimbledon Tennis Star Opens Up About Divorce Following Player Gossip**
Russian tennis professional Anastasia Potapova has spoken candidly about the dissolution of her marriage to fellow player Alexander Shevchenko, citing relentless curiosity and questioning from their peers as the impetus to go public with the news. The 24-year-old, currently ranked World No. 41, revealed the emotional strain endured as a result of her high-profile split, which occurred quietly after the 2024 US Open.
Shevchenko, who was born in Kazakhstan and switched nationality, faced a difficult start to this year’s Wimbledon with an exit in the first round to American opponent Reilly Opelka. Potapova, meanwhile, withdrew from her own opening match, which added to a year already marked by personal and professional upheaval.
Their romance had first been confirmed in 2022. By December 2023, they married in what many considered a promising union between two rising stars of the sport. However, their partnership was not to last, with the couple announcing their divorce less than a year later. As Wimbledon entered its second week, Potapova felt driven to clarify her private life after repeated, and at times intrusive, queries from other players.
In a heartfelt discussion with Russian publication Bolshe, Potapova detailed the factors influencing her decision to share such a personal development. “We had our issues – some couples can overcome these, others cannot. Sadly, we were in the latter group,” she said, noting that both she and Shevchenko swiftly unfollowed each other on social media before making their separation public.
Potapova went on to describe the social scrutiny that accompanied life on the professional circuit. Fellow athletes both within and outside tennis circles would frequently approach her with questions, some of which she regarded as somewhat lacking in tact. “Again and again, people asked if we had split. It becomes like a reality show for them, and although I understand curiosity comes with the territory, it certainly took its toll,” she shared.
Acknowledging the impact on her own mental fortitude, Potapova expressed surprise at her own resilience through the ordeal. “It was a revelation to see how strong I could be under such circumstances. Repetition of these questions became the trigger for me to speak openly about the divorce — it was necessary to have closure and move forward, both personally and professionally.”
Speaking warmly of her family’s support throughout this chapter, Potapova explained, “My parents accepted both my choices without judgement. My mother, in particular, maintained a good relationship with Sasha and supported us both in any way she could. Her strength has been invaluable.”
Despite the emotional turbulence of this period, Potapova continued to compete, though she acknowledged it had not been her most successful season. Nonetheless, she reflected on the growth the experience had brought her. “This year may not boast many wins, but I have learnt more about myself and resilience than in any previous season,” she said.
In her closing remarks, Potapova extended only goodwill towards her former husband. “I genuinely wish Sasha the very best. He is a dedicated and talented player, and I hope success follows him in his career,” she concluded.
Potapova’s focus now shifts back to tennis, as she seeks to improve her recent results. With no quarter-final appearances in her last nine tournaments, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether she can rekindle her earlier form and make headlines for her on-court prowess once more.