Marta Kostyuk dedicates French Open win to Ukraine after Kyiv strikes
Ukrainian world number 15 Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first-round victory at the French Open to her home country following overnight Russian missile strikes near her parents’ home in Kyiv.
The 23-year-old secured a 6-2 6-3 win over Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva on the same morning a large-scale wave of attacks hit the Ukrainian capital.
Four people were killed and at least 83 individuals were injured across the eastern European nation during the overnight drone and missile bombardment.
Following her straight-sets triumph at Roland Garros, the emotional victor became tearful during her on-court interview.
Emotional dedication to her homeland
Addressing the supportive Parisian crowd, the Kyiv native revealed the terrifying proximity of the attacks to her family.
“This morning, 100 metres away from my parent’s house, a missile destroyed the building,” she said.
“It was a very difficult morning for me, I didn’t know how this match would turn out for me or how I would handle it.”
“I have been crying this morning. I don’t want to talk about myself today.”
“All my heart and all my thoughts go to the people of Ukraine today.”
Standing firm on pre-match policies
In accordance with a long-standing policy among Ukrainian athletes, the world number 15 did not shake hands with her opponent at the net.
Selekhmeteva was competing in her first match under the Spanish flag after recently switching her national sporting allegiance.
The outspoken critic of the 2022 invasion drew strength from the resilience of her compatriots back home.
“I woke up this morning and looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their lives, kept helping people who are in need,” Kostyuk added.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself. I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career.”
Formidable clay-court momentum continues
The talented right-hander has enjoyed a stellar season on the red dirt, remaining unbeaten on the surface during her current campaign.
Only teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva has claimed more victories on clay across the WTA Tour this year than the in-form Ukrainian.
She will next face either American Katie Volynets or French hopeful Clara Burel as she seeks to advance past the second round in Paris.