Former World No. 1 Safina to Coach Polina Kudermetova

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Former world No. 1 Dinara Safina has taken 22-year-old tennis player Polina Kudermetova under her guidance, Kommersant reports.

Previously, Kudermetova competed for the Russian national team, but from 2026 she will represent Uzbekistan.

Safina will serve as a consultant for the athlete and accompany her to tournaments.

The 39-year-old Safina already has coaching experience with Russian player Diana Schneider. In her career, Safina won 12 WTA titles and an Olympic silver medal.

Currently, Kudermetova is ranked 104th in the world, although she reached 54th place in 2025. She announced her change of sporting nationality in December of this year.