Ana Tatishvili, who got the citizenship of USA, officially confirmed that she will no longer play on behalf of Georgia. We offer her statement, which she published on her “Facebook” page, invariably.

“Dear friends and fans! I would like to say that I have got the citizenship of USA and decided to play on behalf of this country.

Making this decision was very difficult for the, moreover, it was painful because I am Georgian with my soul and heart.

Despite the difficulties, I tried to represent my country well – I was proud when Georgia was written across my name. however, the aftermath of the events made this impossible.

Tennis is difficult and expensive sport. Requires good training conditions, coaches, sparring. This is necessary for constant improvement of play and injury prevention.

Throughout the year I am traveling and the whole team of the coaches should be with me. In the first hundred, I think I was the only player who was without coaching staff. My father had to perform all functions.

With current financial situation, only I and my family can not satisfy requirements for my tennis development.

Unfortunately, I did not have the necessary support and assistance from my country. Only in 2010-2012 I have got a little help from the Olympic Committee for participating at the London Olympics.

I understand that Georgia is not a rich country, but I think that the reason of this carelessness is a negligence – in many cases I felt humiliated by the Georgian sports leadership.

Last year I have talked to the leadership of Georgian tennis and explained my situation – what is needed for my tennis career.

The minimal need was a tax of one coach. I had trauma – three tendons were severed on my leg. I was puzzled. Of course, I also told them that if Georgia can not help me, the I would find other ways to escape from problems.

Unfortunately, my country could not help me – they even did not contact me. Under these conditions, it was impossible to continue tennis career, and besides, I started this season with trauma – again injured my tendons and it’s more than one month I am unable to train. In such circumstances, I am forced to play on behalf of USA. I believe I will have better conditions that will help my tennis career.

I felt the only constant human attention from Lali Zerekidze and Emzar Zeinishvili (Georgian tennis leadership), for which I am grateful.

I had offers from other countries (USA, Kazakhstan...) during years, but until I had opportunity, I was not doing it.

I am playing since I was 4-year-old, I dedicated my life to tennis. I am working daily, all my concentration is on tennis, I refused on many things and I want my work be appreciated, I wish to achieve my goals.

I stay Georgian in spirit and know that my victory will be the victory of the Georgian spirit and gene.

I would like to thank you for supporting me over the years. I hope I will not lack warmth from you in future. I love you my fans, and also I love my country very much – I will always be Georgian”.

Sincerely, Ana Tatishvili