Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk broke down in tears as she booked her place in the French Open semi-finals just hours after 18 people were killed in a fresh wave of Russian attacks.
Kostyuk was given a 40-second standing ovation by the crowd on Philippe Chatrier after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory over fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina which sets up a clash against Russian Mirra Andreeva.
‘We had a very difficult night again in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv, so many people dead,’ said an emotional Kostyuk on court.
‘I want to give this match to Ukrainian people and to their resilience. Thank you. Slava Ukraini.”
‘Of course I want to point out Elina and her incredible impact on Ukrainian tennis, on Ukrainians, and on me… and everyone who’s watching. She’s an unbelievable fighter. I’m so happy to be in the semi-finals. But I want to thank her again for this incredible match.’
Marta Kostyuk was unable to hide her emotions after sealing her spot in the French Open semi-finals
Kostyuk was given a 40-second standing ovation by the crowd on Philippe Chatrier after her 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory over fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina
Vladimir Putin launched a massive assault on Ukraine overnight that included 656 strike drones and 73 missiles
Vladimir Putin launched a massive assault on Ukraine overnight that included 656 strike drones and 73 missiles.
Kostyuk, the first Ukrainian woman to reach the women’s singles semi-finals at Roland Garros, began her tournament by showing images of her parents’ house in Kyiv engulfed in smoke and flames after narrowly being missed by a Russian missile.
‘If it was 100m closer, I probably wouldn’t have a mum and sister today,’ an emotional Kostyuk had said after her opening-round victory over another Russian opponent Oksana Selekhmeteva.
Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Selekhmeteva, despite her recent switch of allegiance to Spain, and will do so again after her semi-final against Andreeva.
If Kostyuk is to reach the final she could also be set to face Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who she played at Roland Garros three years ago and was booed off court when she ignored her after the match.
