"I want to dedicate this match to the Ukrainian people and to their resilience" - Marta Kostyuk consoled in teary interview after all-Ukrainian clash

Marta Kostyuk was very emotional right after winning her quarter-final match at Roland Garros against Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2. She was consoled by Marion Bartoli as the former Wimbledon champion interviewed her after the victory.

In a clash of the Ukrainians, it was the younger and lower ranked one who would prevail. Svitolina was one of the best WTA players in 2026. A semi-final in the Australian Open was backed up with WTA 1000 final in Dubai and the title in Rome.

However, she was no match for Kostyuk who came out of the blocks flying to secure the first set. Yet back came Svitolina, levelling up the tie as she targeted a fifth Grand Slam semi-final. After five breaks of serve to commence the third set, Kostyuk reached a new level. She won the final four games and breaks new ground in Paris.

This was all too much for her at the end. “Don’t cry, otherwise I’m going to cry as well," Bartoli said to a tearful Kostyuk, trying to keep her emotions together as she began her on court interview.

“First, I want to start with this historic match that we played today with Elina. We had a very difficult night again in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv. So many people died, and I want to dedicate this match to the Ukrainian people and to their resilience. Thank you."

This got a huge applause on Court Philippe Chatrier as she followed it up by noting the positive day and tournament for that matter it was for Ukrainian tennis. “Then, of course, I want to point out Elina and her incredible impact on Ukrainian tennis, on Ukrainians, and on me and everyone who is watching. She’s an unbelievable fighter and I’m so happy to be through to the semi-finals, but I want to thank her again for this incredible match.”

It is a 17th win in a row on clay as Kostyuk's brilliant 2026 season continues. Her titles in Rouen and Madrid set he tempo for what has been a majestic Roland Garros campaign with seemingly nothing stopping her.

She discussed the match as well as her coach, Sandra Zaniewska, playing a big role in proceedings. “Yeah, I missed one point at the beginning of the third set and I looked at Sandra, and she was really, really pissed. I don’t see her like this often," she admitted.

“And I was like, ‘Okay, this is what I need to do.’ I’m very happy that I found a way. It was very difficult in the first two sets and, yeah, I think I wasn’t aggressive enough. Then I found that rhythm. I was struggling a little bit, but I’m very happy that I committed to it. I was thinking about how I want to play if I want to win the tournament here, and this was the answer. It worked.”

She is one of the big favourites for the title but will have to beat an incredible Mirra Andreeva to seal a maiden Grand Slam final with the possibility of the world number one Aryna Sabalenka waiting for her. Kostyuk was adamant that glory was still a long way off. “I still think it’s very far away. I still have two matches to play. I have to play Mirra in the semi-finals, so I’m excited for Thursday. Hopefully you guys come and support me.”

There is also a small matter of Kostyuk's gymnastic skills being showcased to the world once more. She did so at Caja Magica after winning the title, but has only promised to do so again under one condition. "In Madrid I practised the day before the final. I don’t need to practise anymore—I only did it one month ago. But I made a promise that I would only do it one more time, and only if I win a Grand Slam. And that’s it,” she concluded.