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Kostyuk Triumphs at French Open After Kyiv Missile Strike

5/24/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kostyuk Triumphs

Marta Kostyuk defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 at the French Open on May 24, 2026 after a missile strike hit 100 m from her parents’ Kyiv home.
Ukrainian officials reported four deaths and 83 injuries in the Kyiv attack, while Kostyuk said she played to honor Ukrainian perseverance and extended her 12-match winning streak.
She will face American Katie Volynets in the second round on Wednesday.

Summary

Kostyuk’s Winning Run

Anastasia Kostyuk withdrew from the Italian Open, ending her recent winning streak.
She captured the Open de Rouen title by defeating Veronika Podrez.
In Madrid, Kostyuk secured her first WTA 1000 title with a victory over Mirra Andreeva.
Earlier she lost the Brisbane International final to Aryna Sabalenka.
Her progress now could set a fourth-round match against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 the IOC let 58 Yugoslav athletes compete as Independent Olympic Participants after UN sanctions, winning three shooting medals. Over three decades later, on 24 May 2026 Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk secured a French Open win despite a missile strike near Kyiv that killed four and injured 83. Both episodes show sport persisting amid war and sanctions.

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Kostyuk Triumphs

Marta Kostyuk defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 at the French Open on May 24, 2026 after a missile strike hit 100 m from her parents’ Kyiv home.
Ukrainian officials reported four deaths and 83 injuries in the Kyiv attack, while Kostyuk said she played to honor Ukrainian perseverance and extended her 12-match winning streak.
She will face American Katie Volynets in the second round on Wednesday.

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