Report: Tennis teen switches national allegiance from U.S. to Italy

Tennis player Tyra Grant, who has dual citizenship, has decided to represent Italy instead of the United States, The Athletic reported Thursday.

The 17-year-old Grant was born in Rome to an Italian mother and American father, and lived in Italy until 2023, when she starting training in the United States.

A formal announcement from Italy's tennis federation is due soon, per The Athletic. A USTA official already confirmed to the outlet that Grant will represent Italy.

Ranked No. 356 in singles, she has a 13-6 record this season after excelling last season on the juniors circuit

Grant already has received a wild card to compete in women's singles at the Italian Open, which starts May 7 in Rome.

Athletes can shift nations for a variety of reasons, including the ability to represent a country with fewer top-level athletes. Naomi Osaka switched her national allegiance from the U.S. to Japan, and with greater financial opportunities, she became the highest-paid female athlete in the world.

Only Jasmine Paolini, at No. 6, is ranked in the Top 50 among Italian players. By contrast, 10 American women are in the Top 50.

Grant's father, Tyrone, played college basketball at St. John's, then went on to a long career in Europe.

--Field Level Media