Marta Kostyuk dedicates historic Roland Garros QF win to "Ukrainian people and their resilience"

Another day, another win for Marta Kostyuk on clay.

This time, the magnitude came with historical implications.

Taking on countrywoman Elina Svitolina, the No. 15 seed emerged Tuesday afternoon under a closed Court Philippe Chatrier with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 victory to become the first Ukrainian woman in the Open Era to reach the Roland Garros semifinals.

The emotions took over for Kostyuk afterwards, who dedicated the performance to those watching back home amid a devastating landscape.

“We had a very difficult night again in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv,” she began during an on-court interview. “So many people dead. I want to give this match to Ukrainian people and their resilience. Thank you. Slava Ukraini!”

Kostyuk also highlighted Svitolina for leading their nation’s charge on tour throughout her decorated career.

“Of course I want to point out Elina and her incredible impact on Ukrainian tennis, on Ukrainians, and on me,” she said. “I’m so happy to be in the semifinals. But I want to thank her again for this incredible match.”

Ukraine’s top-two ranked players both entered the French Open as contenders, with the 23-year-old capturing titles in Rouen and Madrid ahead of Svitolina’s Rome triumph.

Following her first-round win over Oksana Selekhmeteva, Kostyuk shared that she had taken the court upon learning that a missile struck just 100 meters from her family’s home in Kyiv. She has since increased her unbeaten streak on clay to 17 matches in achieving her best result on the major stage. Kostyuk had previously advanced to the last eight of the 2024 Australian Open, falling to Coco Gauff.

Awaiting in the semifinals is Mirra Andreeva. The eighth seed halted Sorana Cirstea, 6-0, 6-3, to book her second final-four appearance in three years. Kostyuk topped the 19-year-old, 6-3, 7-5, to seal her first WTA 1000 crown in Madrid.