Following approval from the International Tennis Federation last week, former American player Alex Bogomolov Jr. officially made the switch to represent Russia instead of America.

Russian-born Bogomolov will now represent Russia in the Davis Cup against Austria in February. The switch also makes Bogomolov Russia’s No. 1, instead of America’s No. 4.

Bogomolov is now officially listed by the ATP as Russia’s top ranked player. The USTA stated in an e-mail sent to the Associated Press, "The USTA has been a longtime supporter of Alex Bogomolov through direct financial grants as well as coaching and training. We are disappointed with the ruling of the ITF's Davis Cup Committee, but respect its decision."

A long-time resident of the US, Bogolomov answered the USTA’s disappointment by saying he appreciates their help during his junior years but that for the past 10 years he’s been “doing [his own thing].”

“They helped me when I was 14, 15, 16 years old,” Bogolomov said, “but since then I haven't received one phone call, I haven't gotten one wild card or any help with coaching—nothing for 10 years, and I didn't ask for anything.”

Bogolomov has represented the US since 2002 but has never competed at the senior level in the Davis Cup. Officially altering his ATP nationality in favor of his birth-country gives Bogolomov the opportunity to do something he might never be able to do otherwise.

US Davis Cup captain Jim Courier said "[Bogolomov] hasn't factored into my thoughts for what our team is and will be. I don't really see a scenario where he would be playing for the United States.”

Bogolomov could also play for Russia in the 2012 Olympics with the ITF’s approval.