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Teen Andreeva Ends Kostyuk's 16-Match Clay Streak

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 to reach her first Grand Slam final, ending Kostyuk’s 16-match clay unbeaten streak.
Andreeva said she was nervous, focused on her game and ignored her opponent’s nationality.
Ukrainian Kostyuk dedicated earlier wins to Ukraine and condemned Russian players for not denouncing the war.
The match lasted one hour sixteen minutes, with wind affecting play and the roof closed in second set.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 annexation of Crimea on 18 March 2014 triggered Western sanctions and a UN resolution condemning the takeover, prompting scrutiny of Russian athletes. In 2022 the International Tennis Federation barred Russian players from the Davis Cup, affecting thousands of pros. Mirra Andreeva’s win over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk now revives those geopolitical tensions on the court.

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Story summary

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 to reach her first Grand Slam final, ending Kostyuk’s 16-match clay unbeaten streak.
Andreeva said she was nervous, focused on her game and ignored her opponent’s nationality.
Ukrainian Kostyuk dedicated earlier wins to Ukraine and condemned Russian players for not denouncing the war.
The match lasted one hour sixteen minutes, with wind affecting play and the roof closed in second set.

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