"Just want to go out there and hopefully beat every single Russian I play": Marta Kostyuk slams 'terrible' decision for Russians to regain IOC status

Marta Kostyuk is a Grand Slam semi-finalist once more. Her incredible form continues at Wimbledon in a blistering display against Jasmine Paolini, coming out on top 6-3, 6-2 as she recalled prior experiences coming to SW19 as a fan.

Following wins over Nadia Podoroska, Anna Blinkova, Emma Navarro and Ashlyn Krueger, Kostyuk has gone up the gears as she progressed to another major quarter-finals. Backing up the showing on clay at Roland Garros, she has seamlessly transferred to grass with no qualm despite this being her first event on the surface in 2026.

The 2024 Wimbledon finalist stood no chance against the sheer power that Kostyuk possessed, hitting some huge shots back at her opponent which were left unanswered. Following winning five of the last six games in the first set the Ukrainian kept up that form in the second, again confirming the set with a break of serve.

Before this competition, Kostyuk had only ever reached the fourth round once in 2021. She had one win in the other four participations. 2026 is different. She has upped her level and found a brilliant game that can match anyone on their day.

Debuting on Centre Court, it was a daunting task for Kostyuk who would keep her nerves and emotions in check throughout proceedings. She relieved how her coach got her to wander around the prestigious venue, soaking it all up before the match played out today.

“100%. Thank God my coach made me walk here yesterday," she commented after the match. "I was flabbergasted by this entrance and everything inside. I was like ‘Wow, I need one day to recover what I saw.’"

It was not the first time that she had been here. She recalled an unforgettable experience nine years ago when she gazed on at eight-time champion Roger Federer competing on court. Once a dominant figure at SW19, Kostyuk could soon add her name to the handful of Wimbledon champions.

"I was on this court as a spectator once 9 years ago watching Roger," she said. "It was super special to be back here as a player. I made like, walk of honour on the Centre court and I sat beside it and took a moment, soak it all in. Soaking it all in again now here after a win.”

Attention turned though to Russians at the Olympics now being allowed back and it potentially affecting her going forward.

"It's terrible. I think it’s very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved, not just for Ukraine. I 100% don’t agree with this decision. A lot of people spoke out on this issue — they obviously don’t agree either. I don’t think anything is going to change. I just want to go out there and hopefully beat every single Russian I play in the Olympics, and that’s it," she said to the media.

“I’m sure we’re going to do something about it. I’m definitely not going to be doing this before my semifinal match. Maybe I can talk more about it at the US Open, or whenever I have time to talk to the team, to the girls, to the government as well — see what we’re going to do. As of now, it’s not something I’m focused on."

A new name will be etched onto the trophy on Saturday. Kostyuk is in the hunt and maybe the favourite in some people's eyes, but in truth it is too close to call. Coco Gauff is the only Grand Slam champion in the field, and she takes on Karolina Muchova.

Kostyuk will not worry about that, only focusing on her contest against Linda Noskova. Having won the Berlin Ladies Open title, the Czech is also in great form having won 10 of her 11 matches on grass in 2026.

Kostyuk should not be underestimated. Since mid-April when she played her first match on clay at the Roeun Open, she has lost just one match. Titles in Rouen and Madrid were followed by a semi-final at Roland Garros, losing to the eventual champion Mirra Andreeva. Nerves were a factor on that day, but she at least has that experience now with this new territory for Noskova. It is set to a thrilling tie with a new Wimbledon champion soon to be crowned.