Full Breakdown
Marta Kostyuk Wins First-Round French Open Match Hours After Missile Strike Near Kyiv Home
5/24/2026, 8:43:14 PM
The Match and Immediate Context
On 24 May 2026, Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk, the tournament’s 15th seed, defeated Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round of the French Open in Paris. The victory came just hours after a Russian missile landed approximately 100 metres from Kostyuk’s family residence in Kyiv, igniting a nearby building. Kostyuk entered the court visibly emotional and later described the contest as one of the most difficult of her career.
Background: Russian Missile Strikes on Kyiv
The night before the match, Russian forces launched a large-scale wave of drones and missiles across Ukraine. In Kyiv, four civilians were killed and roughly 100 people injured. A missile impact set a building ablaze close to the home where Kostyuk’s mother, sister and great-aunt were sleeping. The incident was part of a broader pattern of attacks that have persisted since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Key Figures
- Marta Kostyuk – 23-year-old Ukrainian player, recent Rome WTA 1000 champion, on a 13-match winning streak and a 12-match consecutive clay-court run.
- Oksana Selekhmeteva – Born in Russia, she switched her sporting nationality to Spain four days before the tournament.
- Kostyuk’s family – Mother, sister and great-aunt residing in Kyiv; none were injured in the missile strike.
Data & Statistics
- Casualties in the Kyiv strike: 4 dead, ~100 injured.
- Kostyuk’s recent form: titles in Rome (WTA 1000) and Rouen; 13 consecutive victories on tour.
- Clay-court record: 12 straight wins entering Paris.
Official Statements & Responses
Kostyuk told reporters that the morning’s events left her feeling physically ill and mentally unsettled, fearing that a closer impact could have cost her family members their lives. She expressed pride in her performance despite the emotional strain and emphasized that her thoughts were with the Ukrainian people throughout the match. Kostyuk also reiterated her refusal to shake hands with Russian-born opponents who have not publicly condemned the invasion, a stance she has maintained throughout the war.
What’s Next
Following her win, Kostyuk’s second-round opponent will be determined by the outcome of the match between American Katie Volynets and Frenchwoman Clara Burel. Her continued participation will be closely watched as the tournament progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Most of the morning I felt sick because I thought if it was 100m closer, I probably wouldn't have a mum and a sister today,” — Marta Kostyuk, Ukrainian tennis player
- “I’m incredibly proud of myself today,” — Marta Kostyuk
- “I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career.” — Marta Kostyuk
- “It’s definitely exhausting, especially when it repeatedly is happening over the night, nobody is sleeping well. People are just more irritated and scared. But generally, everyone is really angry, and everyone just wants to keep going. Everyone is trying to help whoever they need to help, and that’s it. People are very resilient, and this is something to learn from them, for sure.” — Marta Kostyuk
- “All my thoughts and all my heart was to the people of Ukraine today.” — Marta Kostyuk
