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Marta Kostyuk reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open before launching a strong criticism of Russian players who remain silent on the war in Ukraine.
Marta Kostyuk at Roland Garros (AP)
Marta Kostyuk’s breakthrough run at Roland Garros came with an emotional victory, a semi-final berth, and a powerful message.
The Ukrainian star reached her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final on Tuesday after defeating compatriot Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 at the French Open.
But it was her post-match comments, delivered against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, that drew just as much attention as her tennis.
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk on Russian players:“You know, after four years, I think they’ve made it very clear whose side they are on. So, again, this is their burden to carry and this is what they live with, not me.”
— Volodymyr Tretyak 🇺🇦 (@VolodyaTretyak) June 2, 2026
Hours after another night of Russian strikes on Kyiv, Kostyuk revealed she woke up checking on the safety of her family before heading to Court Philippe-Chatrier. c
After sealing the biggest win of her career, she dedicated the result to the people of Ukraine and spoke candidly about the responsibility she feels carrying her country’s flag.
“With everything that’s happening, for me being here is a real blessing, and I don’t think about winning,” Kostyuk said. “I’m here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy.”
The 23-year-old will next face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva for a place in the final. Ahead of that clash, Kostyuk took aim at Russian players who have chosen not to publicly condemn the war.
Kostyuk rejected the argument that Russian athletes remain silent out of fear of repercussions back home.
“There is a way if you don’t agree,” she said. “I know some people who left Russia the moment the war began, sold everything, and walked away because they didn’t agree with what their country was doing.”
She pointed to Daria Kasatkina as an example of someone who had spoken openly despite personal challenges.
“There is nothing that’s stopping you if this is something you don’t believe in,” Kostyuk said. “After four years, I think they’ve made it very clear whose side they are on.”
Her comments came in response to questions about statements from Russian players who have previously said they prefer to focus on tennis rather than politics.
“They are all grown-ups. They know what they’re talking about. They know what’s going on. They have phones. They have Instagram. They have news,” Kostyuk said.
“I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people.”
(with Reuters inputs)
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After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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