“It took me seven years to learn how to play here”: Marta Kostyuk explains Madrid breakthrough after Pegula win
WTAMonday, 27 April 2026 at 06:30
Marta Kostyuk’s 6-1, 6-4 win over Jessica Pegula at the Madrid Open was framed less as a one-off result and more as the outcome of a long adaptation process. The Ukrainian, now on a seven-match clay winning streak following her title at the Rouen Open, pointed to experience in Madrid as the central factor behind her performance.
The conditions in Madrid have long been considered among the most complex on the calendar, with altitude and surface dynamics requiring specific adjustments. Kostyuk’s progression at the event reflects a gradual accumulation of knowledge rather than immediate adaptation. Against Pegula, that experience translated into consistent execution, particularly in return positioning and baseline control.
Her current run extends beyond Madrid. Kostyuk arrived in the Spanish capital with a 7-0 record on clay this season, including a straight-sets win over Yulia Putintseva and now a fourth Top 10 victory of the year. The results suggest a shift from intermittent performances to a more stable competitive level.
At 23, Kostyuk is also navigating a transition in how she approaches matches. Her comments after the Pegula win indicate that the technical improvements are aligned with a broader recalibration of energy management and expectations, forming the basis of her recent consistency.
A seven-year process behind Madrid breakthrough
Kostyuk’s assessment of her performance centred on the time required to understand how to play effectively in Madrid. Rather than attributing the result solely to form, she identified accumulated experience as decisive.
“I think I had a really good match with her in Brisbane and learned a lot from that. The conditions in Madrid are really tricky. It took me seven years to learn how to play here, so I’m happy to have that experience behind me. The tactics definitely played a role today. I’m happy with how I managed to execute the things I planned to do, and it worked.”
Her tactical approach reflected that learning process. By stepping inside the baseline and applying early pressure on Pegula’s groundstrokes, Kostyuk limited the American’s ability to dictate rallies. The execution was consistent across both sets, supported by strong serving under pressure, where she saved nine of ten break points.
Kostyuk also framed the matchup in terms of discipline rather than dominance, emphasising the need to adhere to a defined plan against a player of Pegula’s consistency.
“I just try to stick to the plan. Jessica is an unbelievable player, very solid. She had a streak of about six tournaments in a row reaching the semifinals, which is incredible. Going into these matches, you have to understand that even if you do everything right, there is still a chance you lose.”
From energy expenditure to sustainable performance
Beyond technical adaptation, Kostyuk linked her current form to changes in how she manages physical and emotional resources during matches. Earlier in her career, she identified excessive energy expenditure as a limiting factor.
“I found my tennis and how I want to play in Brisbane, but earlier in my career everything cost me too much energy. I was investing too much emotionally and physically. I had to find a balance to sustain my level, especially with longer seasons and tournaments. If I want to maintain this level, I need to manage my energy, both physically and mentally.”
This adjustment has influenced her approach to both preparation and in-match decision-making. Kostyuk described a shift towards selective engagement, focusing effort on controllable elements rather than outcomes.
“I had to learn how to navigate my energy better and not care too much about things that are not important. It sounds strange, but learning not to care in certain moments was one of the biggest lessons for me. Now I’m able to enjoy playing tennis more, regardless of the outcome.”
Consistency, ranking movement and next challenge
Kostyuk’s recent results are reflected in her upward movement in the live rankings, where she projects around World No. 25 while defending quarterfinal points in Madrid from 2025, when she lost to Aryna Sabalenka. The current run positions her to consolidate further gains if she progresses deeper into the draw.
Her next opponent will be Caty McNally, who advanced with wins over Victoria Azarenka and Kateřina Siniaková. Kostyuk defeated McNally in Rouen last week, adding a recent reference point to their upcoming meeting.
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Kostyuk’s pre-match focus against Pegula highlighted the direction of her current approach, prioritising execution over outcome in high-level matchups.
“Before today’s match, I told my coach that I just wanted to show up for myself, do the right things, and not be so hard on myself. When you play a top-five player, you can play an incredible match and still lose. I’m happy with what we’re working on and how things are coming together.”
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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