Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian tennis star, secured what she described as 'one of the most difficult matches' of her career at the French Open, just hours after a missile strike narrowly missed her parents' home in Kyiv.
Emotional Victory at Roland-Garros
The 23-year-old 15th seed defeated Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva, who now represents Spain, 6-2 6-3 in the first round at Roland-Garros. Following the match, an emotional Kostyuk teared up during her on-court interview on Court Simonne-Mathieu, receiving warm applause from the crowd.
'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.'
Strike in Kyiv
Russia launched a wave of strikes overnight, killing four people in Kyiv and injuring at least 83 across Ukraine. The attack hit close to home for Kostyuk, who dedicated her thoughts to the Ukrainian people.
'All my heart and all my thoughts go to the people of Ukraine today. My biggest example is the Ukrainian people,' she added.
In line with the stance adopted by Ukrainian players since the 2022 invasion, Kostyuk did not shake Selekhmeteva's hand after the match. Selekhmeteva had changed her allegiance to Spain earlier this week.
Form Player on Clay
Kostyuk, the world No 15, is among the top contenders for the title in Paris after an unbeaten run on clay this season, which includes the Madrid Open title—her maiden WTA 1000 crown—and the Rouen Open title. She will face Katie Volynets of the USA in the second round, who defeated France's Clara Burel.
