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Ukrainian Kostyuk Reaches French Open Semis, Dedicates Victory

6/3/2026

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Summary

Kostyuk Reaches Semifinal

Marta Kostyuk (No. 15) defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach the French Open semifinal.
Kostyuk became the first Ukrainian woman in the Open era to reach a Roland Garros semifinal.
She dedicated the victory to Ukraine after a Russian drone attack killed at least 18 civilians.
Kostyuk will face Russian teen Mirra Andreeva (No. 8), who said she focuses on the ball regardless of opponent nationality.

Summary

Kostyuk Condemns Silence

Kostyuk said Russian and Belarusian players who stay silent on the Ukraine war reveal whose side they are on.
She argued athletes cannot claim fear of reprisals because they have phones and Instagram access.
The tournament forces Russian and Belarusian competitors to play under a neutral flag, prompting Kostyuk not to shake hands with Mirra Andreeva after their quarter-final.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Barcelona, the newly formed Unified Team of twelve ex-Soviet republics competed under the IOC’s neutral “EUN” flag, capturing 45 gold medals and topping the medal table. Decades later, the French Open’s decision to require Russian players such as Mirra Andreeva to play under a neutral flag echoes that same compromise between sport and geopolitics.

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Kostyuk Reaches Semifinal

Marta Kostyuk (No. 15) defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach the French Open semifinal.
Kostyuk became the first Ukrainian woman in the Open era to reach a Roland Garros semifinal.
She dedicated the victory to Ukraine after a Russian drone attack killed at least 18 civilians.
Kostyuk will face Russian teen Mirra Andreeva (No. 8), who said she focuses on the ball regardless of opponent nationality.

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