- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,258,437
- Reaction score
- 59
Ukrainian tennis is thriving thanks to Marta Kostyuk, the Madrid Open champion, and Elina Svitolina, the Italian Open champion.
The two, who are friends and outspoken supporters of their country and its struggles as it endures the ongoing wear with Russia, met in the 2026 French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday.
It was a three set affair with Kostyuk getting off to a fast and powerful start. Svitolina worked her way into the match before Kostyuk prevailed.
MORE: Which is bigger deal for tennis: Serena Williams return or French Open
Despite getting ready for an intense match, Kostyuk and Svitolina enjoyed a light-hearted exchange in the tunnel before walking on court.
Svitolina may have been the fan-favorite because her husband Gael Monfils is French, but fans admire Kostyuk for her excellent play including her win over four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek in the previous round.
May 31, 2026; Paris, France; Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine celebrates winning her match against Iga Swiatek of Poland on day eight at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
Kostyuk is soaring in the rankings, listed at a career high 12th in WTA live rankings after the win over Svitolina. This is her first Grand Slam semifinals appearance. Her previous best result was as a 2024 Australian Open quarterfinalist.
MORE: Frances Tiafoe loses French Open 4th round heartbreaker
Mirra Andreeva barely broke a sweat in her defeat over Sorana Cirstea earlier in the day.
Kostyuk is the second semifinalist.
On Wednesday, Aryna Sabalenka and Diana Shnaider play as well as Anna Kalinskaya and Maja Chwalinska. These four women are seeking the final two semifinal spots.
While Sabalenka is the overwhelming favorite to win her first French Open title, Kostyuk has to be close behind. She has played spectacular tennis on the clay this spring.
Continue reading...
The two, who are friends and outspoken supporters of their country and its struggles as it endures the ongoing wear with Russia, met in the 2026 French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday.
It was a three set affair with Kostyuk getting off to a fast and powerful start. Svitolina worked her way into the match before Kostyuk prevailed.
MORE: Which is bigger deal for tennis: Serena Williams return or French Open
Light-hearted moment in the tunnel
Despite getting ready for an intense match, Kostyuk and Svitolina enjoyed a light-hearted exchange in the tunnel before walking on court.
Svitolina may have been the fan-favorite because her husband Gael Monfils is French, but fans admire Kostyuk for her excellent play including her win over four-time Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek in the previous round.
You must be registered for see images attach
May 31, 2026; Paris, France; Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine celebrates winning her match against Iga Swiatek of Poland on day eight at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
Kostyuk is soaring in the rankings, listed at a career high 12th in WTA live rankings after the win over Svitolina. This is her first Grand Slam semifinals appearance. Her previous best result was as a 2024 Australian Open quarterfinalist.
MORE: Frances Tiafoe loses French Open 4th round heartbreaker
One step closer to crowning a maiden champion
Mirra Andreeva barely broke a sweat in her defeat over Sorana Cirstea earlier in the day.
Kostyuk is the second semifinalist.
On Wednesday, Aryna Sabalenka and Diana Shnaider play as well as Anna Kalinskaya and Maja Chwalinska. These four women are seeking the final two semifinal spots.
While Sabalenka is the overwhelming favorite to win her first French Open title, Kostyuk has to be close behind. She has played spectacular tennis on the clay this spring.
Continue reading...
