Marta Kostyuk makes history as first Ukrainian in French Open semi-finals
Marta Kostyuk has become the first Ukrainian woman to reach the French Open semi-finals, entering Thursday’s historic match against Mirra Andreeva on a 17-match winning streak on clay.
The 21-year-old arrives at the final four in spectacular form after securing recent tournament titles in Rouen and Madrid.
However, the journey to the pinnacle of a Grand Slam has been far from straightforward for the former teenage prodigy.
Overcoming the weight of early expectations
Bursting onto the global scene at just 15, the Kyiv-born athlete reached the third round of the Australian Open after qualifying for the main draw.
That sudden success brought immense pressure, leading to a near three-year wait before her next major tournament victory.
She struggled to progress past the fourth round of a major until finally breaking through to the quarter-finals in Melbourne earlier this year.
“I’m enjoying more, just creating points, dealing with challenges, learning how to navigate the difficult situations in the matches.”
The resurgent star added she is very happy with how she has been managing the pressures of elite competition recently.
A crucial change in coaching personnel
A significant turning point arrived last August when she transitioned away from being coached by her mother, former professional Talina Beiko.
Seeking to forge a new path, the world number 18 hired Polish former professional Sandra Zaniewska to help develop her mental resilience.
This partnership has fostered greater consistency on the court, blending tactical discipline with her natural acrobatic athleticism.
“She changed me so much as a person. We’ve both grown together in this working relationship. For sure, I definitely wouldn’t be here without her.”
Unmatched athleticism on the Parisian clay
The Ukrainian has always possessed exceptional physical agility, famously demonstrating a back handspring to celebrate her Madrid triumph.
Her exceptional lateral movement at Roland Garros this fortnight has repeatedly allowed her to retrieve seemingly impossible balls.
Now playing with freedom and tactical clarity, she stands just one victory away from a maiden Grand Slam final.