Story perspectives

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk Reaches French Open Semi, Cites Anti-Russia Backlash

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian world No. 13 Marta Kostyuk reached the French Open semi-finals, saying backlash to her anti-Russia stance sharpened her purpose.
She says hostile messages are bots, drawing energy from them to discuss key topics.
An ankle injury forced her to skip grass-court tune-ups before Wimbledon, which starts Monday.
Kostyuk says mental control conserves energy, avoids burnout, and notes Russian and Belarusian players compete as neutrals without flags.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ukrainian world No. 13 Marta Kostyuk reached the French Open semi-finals, saying backlash to her anti-Russia stance sharpened her purpose.
She says hostile messages are bots, drawing energy from them to discuss key topics.
An ankle injury forced her to skip grass-court tune-ups before Wimbledon, which starts Monday.
Kostyuk says mental control conserves energy, avoids burnout, and notes Russian and Belarusian players compete as neutrals without flags.