“I am not doing this to myself”: Marta Kostyuk explains why she refused to look at Royal Box during Wimbledon run

Wednesday, 08 July 2026 at 23:00

Marta Kostyuk admitted that stepping onto Wimbledon’s Centre Court carried a special meaning after reaching the semi-finals at the All England Club. The Ukrainian revealed that she had previously visited the iconic venue as a spectator, watching Roger Federer nine years ago, before returning this time as a Grand Slam semi-finalist.

Kostyuk secured the biggest victory of her Wimbledon campaign by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2 on Centre Court. The 12th seed delivered a dominant performance against the 2024 runner-up, hitting 19 winners and producing a high-level display that extended her remarkable 2026 season.

The Ukrainian has now reached the semi-finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year, becoming one of the standout players of the season. Since winning the Rouen Open in April, Kostyuk has collected a 22-1 record, including the Madrid Open title and only one defeat during that period against Mirra Andreeva in Paris.

After her victory, Kostyuk explained that Centre Court has a unique atmosphere compared with other venues she has experienced. “I think the quietness of it when you play. I don't feel like I experienced this on any other Centre Court that I played before,” the world No. 13 said to Tennis Channel. “And of course, the way the Royal Box is created, it really looks like a Royal Box.”

“I was flabbergasted”: Kostyuk embraces special Centre Court experience

Although Kostyuk had already competed at Wimbledon before, this was her first appearance on Centre Court as a player. Before the quarter-final, her coach Sandra Zaniewska encouraged her to visit the venue and take in the atmosphere before competing on tennis’ most famous court.

The advice proved valuable, with Kostyuk admitting that the first impression of Centre Court left a lasting impact. She explained that she needed time to process the experience after seeing the stadium.

“Thank God my coach made me walk here yesterday,” the Ukranian said. “I was flabbergasted by this entrance. I needed one day to recover from what I saw.”

Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine poses with the trophy after her victory over Andreeva in the women's singles final during the Mutua Madrid Open

During her on-court interview, Kostyuk reflected on her personal connection with Centre Court, revealing that she had once visited Wimbledon as a spectator. The Ukrainian recalled watching Roger Federer compete on the iconic venue nine years ago, a memory that made her return even more meaningful as she stepped onto the same court years later as a Grand Slam semi-finalist.

“I was on this court as a spectator once nine years ago watching Roger [Federer]. It was so special. I made like a walk of honour on the Centre Court, took a moment and soaked it all in.”

Kostyuk avoids Royal Box distraction while chasing Wimbledon history

Kostyuk also shared a lighter moment from her Centre Court experience, revealing that her coach had jokingly given her permission to spend a few seconds during each set looking towards the Royal Box and seeing which famous guests were watching.

However, when the opportunity arrived, the Ukrainian decided against it. Kostyuk admitted that she briefly considered looking after finishing the first set but ultimately chose to remain completely focused on the match.

“Sandra told me, ‘You're allowed to have 15 seconds per set to look at the Royal Box, to see who is sitting there.’ And I didn't do it. I finished the first set and I'm like, ‘Okay, I didn't use my 15 seconds, so I can do it now.’ And then I was like, ‘No, I am not doing this to myself. I am not looking there.’”

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Kostyuk said she did notice Queen Camilla’s presence but avoided looking further around the Royal Box during the match. The Ukrainian’s ability to stay focused has been one of the defining aspects of her Wimbledon run, allowing her to overcome experienced opponents despite the pressure of the occasion.

The 23-year-old will now compete in her second Grand Slam semi-final of 2026, continuing a breakthrough season that has transformed her into one of the leading players on tour. “I just want to go out there again, put on a good show, enjoy being here for so long already, and hope to stay here until Saturday.”

Kostyuk’s Wimbledon journey has already exceeded expectations, but with a place in the final now within reach, the Ukrainian has the opportunity to create another memorable chapter on the same court where she once watched her childhood tennis heroes.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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