"I’m trying not to be emotional": Marta Kostyuk speaks through tears after Rouen title
WTASunday, 19 April 2026 at 20:30
Marta Kostyuk secured the Rouen WTA 250 title with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Veronika Podrez, completing a week where she entered as top seed and delivered on that status. The victory marks her second career title and ends a run of three consecutive final defeats between 2024 and 2026, while lifting her back into the Top 25 of the WTA rankings.
The final carried added weight beyond the result itself. It was the first time two Ukrainian players contested a WTA final, with Kostyuk facing 19-year-old Podrez, ranked outside the Top 200 but coming through a series of upset wins. The contrast in ranking and experience shaped the pre-match expectations, but the match itself remained competitive across both sets.
Kostyuk’s route to the title included wins over Diane Parry, Caty McNally, Ann Li and Tatjana Maria, confirming consistency across the week. Podrez, meanwhile, entered the final as one of the tournament’s main stories, extending matches and disrupting higher-ranked opponents through controlled baseline play and resilience under pressure.
Kostyuk addressed the broader significance of the final immediately after the match, framing it in terms of Ukrainian tennis rather than individual achievement. “I will not speak in French. Sorry guys, I just don’t know it… I would love to,” joked the 23-year-old player. “For me this match was not just a match. I think it was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis."
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"First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears, and sweat goes into this sport to be able to be on this stage. I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now."
“We have six Top 100 players. I just hope that this match and me and Veronika will be able to inspire more kids to try this sport, to pick up a racquet for the first time, and truly enjoy these emotions and passion and everything that this sport brings.”
Kostyuk responds to early pressure to take control
The match opened with a break against Kostyuk, as Podrez took the first game and briefly dictated the tempo. Kostyuk responded immediately, breaking back and building a 3-1 lead before a second shift saw the score return to 3-3. The opening set was defined by short swings in momentum rather than sustained control from either player.
Kostyuk regained structure at the key stage of the set, winning three consecutive games to close it 6-3. The pattern reflected her ability to reset after breaks against her serve, limiting the impact of Podrez’s early pressure while maintaining higher consistency in baseline exchanges.
The second set followed a similar structure, with Kostyuk moving ahead early before Podrez again responded. At 2-2, the match settled into longer rallies, with fewer errors from both sides. The decisive moment came in the ninth game, where Kostyuk secured the break after an extended exchange, before serving out the match without further disruption.
“This title is for you”: emotional dedication after breakthrough win
Kostyuk’s post-match speech shifted from national context to personal acknowledgment, particularly her working relationship with coach Sandra Zaniewska. The title represents their first together after a three-year period that included both inconsistent results and near-misses in finals.
“I’m trying not to be emotional, sorry. I want to thank my coach. This is our first title together. I want to dedicate it to you. We’ve been through so much together through very difficult moments, through beautiful moments… so I’m really thankful for your patience, for your dedication, and everything you’ve poured into me this past three years. This title is for you. Thank you.”
The result also marks a return to form on clay for Kostyuk, whose previous title came more than three years earlier. Her performance in Rouen combined controlled aggression with improved match management in closing stages, an area that had previously limited her in finals.
With the win, Kostyuk consolidates her position inside the Top 25 and adds a second career title at 23, while Podrez’s run provides a first indication of her potential at WTA level following a breakthrough week.
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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