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Kostyuk, Andreeva Advance to Slam Semis; Kostyuk Honors Ukraine

6/3/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kostyuk Advances

Marta Kostyuk defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach a Grand Slam semifinal and leads Mirra Andreeva 2-0 on the tour after a Madrid Open final win.
Kostyuk dedicated the victory to Ukraine after Russia launched drones and missiles that killed at least 18 civilians.
Mirra Andreeva beat Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3 to earn the other semifinal spot against Kostyuk.
Andreeva said the conflict does not affect her focus.

Summary

Cirstea Sets Record

Mirra Andreeva earned her 34th win of 2026, her 20th victory in the last 23 matches.
Sorana Cirstea, 36, became the oldest Open Era player to record a 6-0, 6-0 Grand Slam main-draw win, after dropping the opening set 6-0 to Andreeva.
Aryna Sabalenka praised the women’s night-session, urged more such matches, moonwalked after beating Naomi Osaka, and marked her 14th straight major quarter-final, underscoring consistency.

Summary

Andreeva Dominates

Andreeva secured her 16th French Open main-draw win, becoming the teenager with the most Paris victories this century.
The June 2, 2026 draw was thinned of top players, leaving the field open for newcomers.
Rain fell during the semi-finals as a crowd watched the match under the Court Philippe Chatrier roof.
Andreeva finished the first set in 24 minutes after ten practice sessions with her opponent that year, calling herself ‘in the zone’.

History

Historical Context

At the 1992 Barcelona Games, athletes from independent Soviet republics, including Ukrainians, competed as the Unified Team, winning 45 gold medals among 112 total. The IOC had not yet recognized Ukraine as a separate NOC, so it lacked its own flag. In 2026, Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk dedicated her French Open semifinal win to Ukraine, recalling sport’s role in spotlighting the nation.

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Kostyuk Advances

Marta Kostyuk defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach a Grand Slam semifinal and leads Mirra Andreeva 2-0 on the tour after a Madrid Open final win.
Kostyuk dedicated the victory to Ukraine after Russia launched drones and missiles that killed at least 18 civilians.
Mirra Andreeva beat Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3 to earn the other semifinal spot against Kostyuk.
Andreeva said the conflict does not affect her focus.

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