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.

In a candid interview with Bolsche's Sofya Tartakova, the WTA No. 33 opened up about her split, admitting that while she is disappointed, she wishes Shevchenko nothing but success in his career.

Potapova: "I'm Very Disappointed, But That's Life"

The tennis couple shocked fans when they quietly ended their marriage in December 2024, months after separating privately.

"I made some shockingly big decisions at the end of the year. But like I mentioned, that's life," Potapova said. "Unfortunately, things like that happen, and you have to accept it. Of course, I'm very disappointed it all went the way it did."

Despite the split, she remains on good terms with her former husband, showing no bitterness in her words.

"I really wish Sasha-I can say it on camera, I'm not ashamed of these words-I really wish him all the best. He deserves all the best," she 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."

Why Did Potapova and Shevchenko Divorce?

While Potapova didn't go into deep specifics, she admitted that their relationship had problems they simply couldn't overcome.

"I guess we had problems; some couples get over these problems, and some don't. Unfortunately, we were one of the couples that didn't."

Her honesty didn't end there. She revealed that constant questioning from people around her only added to the difficulty of the breakup.

"Every other person came to me and asked, 'So what, you two broke up?' On tour, outside the tour. Of course, it's not really polite, but it's life and people are curious. It's like a TV show for them."

The overwhelming attention made Potapova realize that she needed to make a clean break and move forward.

"I think I needed to put an end to it, to end things officially, so I wouldn't get those questions anymore. I think that was the last step I needed to finally set myself free."

Potapova's Parents Supported Her Through the Split

While public curiosity may have been overwhelming, Potapova found strength in her family.

"I have incredible parents, who understand me the way I am. They never judge me, never judge my choices," she said. "Wedding? Ok, we'll have a wedding. Divorce? Sad, painful, but how do we help you?"

Her mother, in particular, played a unique role in the situation, as she had built a strong relationship with Shevchenko as well.

"Mom had a great relationship with Sasha; I hope she still does. She actually supported both me and Sasha, worked two jobs, so to speak, and I'm grateful to her for it."

Lessons for Tennis Power Couples?

Potapova and Shevchenko's short-lived marriage raises the inevitable question about whether tennis couples can withstand the pressures of life on tour.

While other high-profile tennis relationships-like Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter's recent engagement and Paula Badosa's relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas-seem strong, Potapova's experience is a reminder of how quickly things can unravel.

As the 2025 season continues, Potapova will now focus on rebuilding both on and off the court, hoping to move past the personal challenges of the last year.