Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk delivered an emotional performance at the French Open after revealing that Russian missile strikes narrowly missed her family home in Kyiv just hours before her first-round match at Roland Garros.
Russia launched a fresh wave of overnight attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Reports confirmed four people were killed in Kyiv and nearby areas, while around 100 others were injured in the strikes.
Despite the emotional trauma, Kostyuk defeated Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday in a difficult opening-round encounter. The Ukrainian tennis star later admitted it was one of the toughest matches of her career because of the fear surrounding her family’s safety back home.
Kostyuk Says Family Escaped Disaster After Kyiv Attack
During her post-match press conference, Kostyuk showed journalists a photograph of a building on fire close to her family residence in Kyiv. According to the 23-year-old, the explosion happened only around 100 metres away from where her mother, sister and great-aunt were staying.
Kostyuk revealed she spent the morning in shock and fear while trying to process the situation before stepping onto the court. She admitted that the thought of losing her loved ones affected her emotionally throughout the day.
The Ukrainian player confirmed that none of her family members or close friends suffered injuries in the attack, but she described the experience as one of the worst days she has faced since the war began.
Kostyuk also said withdrawing from the French Open was never seriously considered because her family remained safe. However, she acknowledged that thoughts about the attack returned several times during the match against Selekhmeteva.
French Open Crowd Supports Kostyuk During Emotional Moment
Following her victory, the Roland Garros crowd applauded Kostyuk as she dedicated the win to the people of Ukraine. The world number 15 became emotional while addressing the audience and admitted she had been crying earlier in the day.
Kostyuk has consistently spoken out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since the war started in February 2022. Like several other Ukrainian players, she continues the policy of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents after matches.
Selekhmeteva, who recently switched allegiance to Spain, did not receive a handshake from Kostyuk after the match.
The Ukrainian star has enjoyed strong form on clay this season and remains one of the contenders at the 2026 French Open after winning all 12 of her matches on the surface this year. Kostyuk will next face American player Katie Volynets in the second round at Roland Garros.
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