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Ukrainian player wins French Open debut after missile strike

5/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Entering the French Open first round in tears after a Russian missile struck a building 100 meters from her parents’ Kyiv home, she defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 on May 24, 2026.
She said she felt sick fearing loss of her mother and sister, chose to play to honor resilience, and criticized the WTA Tour for overlooking war.
She pledged to raise awareness and will face Katie Volynets in the second round.

History

Historical Context

Russia hosted the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi from 7–23 February 2014, featuring 98 events and 2,800 athletes from 88 nations. Four days after the Games closed, Russian forces entered Crimea, formally annexing it on 14 March 2014. That same year Ukrainian athletes competed in Sochi, a precedent for later Ukrainian competitors appearing abroad while their country endures war.

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Story summary

Entering the French Open first round in tears after a Russian missile struck a building 100 meters from her parents’ Kyiv home, she defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 on May 24, 2026.
She said she felt sick fearing loss of her mother and sister, chose to play to honor resilience, and criticized the WTA Tour for overlooking war.
She pledged to raise awareness and will face Katie Volynets in the second round.

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