A new women’s champion will be crowned at the French Open this year, with two Ukrainian players emerging as strong contenders. Marta Kostyuk, seeded 15th and undefeated on clay this season, advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating four-time champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1. She will now face compatriot Elina Svitolina, ensuring an all-Ukrainian semifinal at Roland Garros for the first time in the professional era.
Svitolina expressed her joy at the achievement, highlighting the significance of this moment for Ukrainian tennis amidst the ongoing war with Russia. In the men’s draw, Rafael Jodar made a remarkable comeback to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, setting up a match against Alexander Zverev. Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime will also continue his campaign against Alejandro Tabilo.
Kostyuk’s victory over Swiatek marked a turning point as she had not won a set in their previous encounters. The intense match showcased Kostyuk’s defensive prowess and impressive groundstroke winners, leading to her triumph over the former champion. The match was also notable for Swiatek’s struggles, including double faults and unforced errors, allowing Kostyuk to dominate the court and secure the win.
The tournament saw relief from the heatwave as temperatures dropped, creating a more favorable playing environment. Kostyuk’s success on clay has been evident throughout the season, with a winning streak of 16 matches leading up to the French Open. Reflecting on her journey, Kostyuk emphasized the importance of enjoying the game rather than focusing solely on winning.
In another quarterfinal match, Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea advanced to her second Roland Garros quarterfinal, 17 years after her first appearance. Her longevity in the sport and renewed ambition were highlighted as she continues to defy expectations. Mirra Andreeva of Russia also secured a victory to progress in the tournament.