Less than a year after saying “I do,” WTA star Anastasia Potapova and ATP player Alexander Shevchenko have called it quits. Their whirlwind romance, which saw them go from publicly dating to marriage in just six months, has now ended in an unexpected divorce—and Potapova isn’t shying away from addressing it.
Speaking candidly to Bolshe’s Sofya Tartakova, the WTA No. 33 opened up about her split, admitting her disappointment yet expressing well wishes for Shevchenko’s career. "I really wish 'Sasha' — I can say it on camera, I’m not ashamed of these words — I really wish him all the best, and he deserves all the best," Potapova said. "I wish him all the best with his career, as well, because he’s very talented, and he has to keep working and developing as a player."
The tennis couple shocked fans when they quietly ended their marriage just after the 2024 US Open, months after separating privately. “I made some shockingly big decisions at the end of the year. But like I mentioned, that's life,” Potapova reflected. “Unfortunately, things like this happen, and you have to accept it. Of course, I’m very disappointed it all went the way it did.”
While Potapova didn’t go deep about the specifics of their problems, she acknowledged they faced issues they couldn't overcome. "But I guess we had problems. Some couples get over these problems, and some don’t. Unfortunately, we were one of the couples who didn’t,” she noted. This candor showcases the challenges many couples face, particularly under the public eye.
The overwhelming public curiosity about their relationship made Potapova realize she needed to make the split official, to alleviate the burden of constant questioning. “Every other person came to me and asked, ‘So what, you two broke up?’” she said. “Of course, it’s not really polite, but it’s life, and people are curious. It’s like a TV show for them.” Her awareness of this pressure played a significant role in her decision to end their marriage with clarity.
Through it all, Potapova found comfort and strength in her family. “I have incredible parents, who understand me the way I am. They never judge me, never judge my choices: 'Wedding? OK, we’ll have a wedding. Divorce? Sad, painful, but how do we help you?'” She particularly acknowledged her mother's efforts, highlighting the great relationship her mom had with Shevchenko during their time together.
Despite the challenges of the past few months, Potapova has remained focused on her tennis career. "Despite everything, I clung onto the last bits of my sanity, walked out on the court and played matches, and I wasn’t even doing bad," she said, proving her resilience. "Of course, this year wasn’t as successful as the previous one. But considering the circumstances, this season gave me much more than any previous season of my life.”
Potapova recently began 2025 with great determination, participating vigorously at the Linz Open where she won her first two matches. Her split from Shevchenko sets the stage for her to rebuild during the new season. Meanwhile, Shevchenko, who recently competed as well, is moving forward with his own career, still holding onto memories of his time with Potapova.
The brief marriage of Potapova and Shevchenko serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by many athletes balancing personal relationships with the high pressures of competitive sports. Only time will tell how both will find peace and success as they navigate their careers post-divorce.