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Kostyuk Sparks Debate on Testosterone and Tennis Fairness

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk claimed that Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek possess higher levels of testosterone, giving them a competitive edge.
Kostyuk, ranked No. 27, said Sabalenka and Swiatek are much bigger and stronger than her, though Swiatek is the same height.
She said she must work harder to compete and acknowledged her physical limitations.
Critics dismissed her comments as excuses, sparking debate about physicality in women's tennis.

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Story summary

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk claimed that Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek possess higher levels of testosterone, giving them a competitive edge.
Kostyuk, ranked No. 27, said Sabalenka and Swiatek are much bigger and stronger than her, though Swiatek is the same height.
She said she must work harder to compete and acknowledged her physical limitations.
Critics dismissed her comments as excuses, sparking debate about physicality in women's tennis.