“It was the weirdest experience of my life”: Marta Kostyuk reflects on playing in Ukraine during war

Friday, 10 April 2026 at 23:00

Marta Kostyuk delivered a commanding performance to open Ukraine’s Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier tie against Poland, defeating Magda Linette 6-4, 6-0 to set the tone for a decisive day in Gliwice. The result was quickly reinforced by Elina Svitolina, who secured a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Katarzyna Kawa, leaving Ukraine one win away from reaching the 2026 Finals.

The results on court were clear, but the broader context surrounding Ukraine’s campaign continues to shape the narrative. Competing amid the ongoing impact of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian players have repeatedly framed their performances as part of a larger reality, where sport intersects with daily life under conflict.

Kostyuk, currently ranked World No. 27, used her platform to describe recent experiences practicing in Ukraine, offering insight into the conditions faced beyond the tour. Her reflections underline the contrast between professional competition and the environment many in her home country continue to navigate.

Ukraine’s progress in the competition builds on last year’s semi-final run, the nation’s best-ever result in the Billie Jean King Cup. With one more victory required to secure a place in the Finals, the team remains on course to match or surpass that achievement, while carrying a broader significance beyond results.

Tennis amid conflict: Kostyuk’s perspective

Kostyuk’s account of training in Ukraine provided a stark reminder of the realities faced away from competition. She described returning to practice in her home country under conditions shaped by ongoing air raid threats, highlighting the normalization of such situations among the local population.

“This was the first time that I was properly playing tennis in Ukraine since full-scale war began. It was the weirdest experience of my life to be practicing when the air raid alarms went off.”

Her description extended to moments during practice when external threats became unavoidable, yet routine continued. The contrast between her own reaction and the calm response of those around her illustrated the adaptation required in such environments.

“We kept playing because we just had to finish the practice, but we heard explosions in the distance. Because I am not familiar with this, I was trying to look up at all the people around to see how they were handling it.”

Kostyuk also pointed to the normalization of these conditions among younger generations, noting how even children responded without alarm. The experience, she said, was unsettling, yet reflective of daily life for many Ukrainians.

“Even children were like, ‘drones and missiles are coming, it’s nothing’. I was anxious inside and wondered if we should run because a drone was coming. However, everyone around me seemed calm, so I thought I should stay calm. It was a very weird experience and not something I would recommend or want to experience again, but it is a part of life for millions of people.”

On-court focus and team resilience

While Kostyuk’s reflections provided context, Ukraine’s performance in Gliwice remained grounded in execution. Her straight-sets victory over Linette established early control in the tie, combining consistency from the baseline with efficient point construction to limit her opponent’s opportunities.

Svitolina followed with an equally controlled display, continuing her strong record in Billie Jean King Cup competition. Her win over Kawa also moved her into sole possession of fifth place for most match wins by a Ukrainian player in the competition, reinforcing her role as a central figure within the team.

“Today was a good day. I was really pleased with how I handled nerves today. Billie Jean King Cup is a bouquet of different emotions, and nerves are just one part of that.”

Svitolina emphasised the importance of collective support within the team environment, particularly in a competition where individual matches contribute directly to a shared outcome. The presence of Ukrainian supporters, despite the match being held abroad, added to that dynamic.

“You need to deal with those nerves but, in this competition, you have a team to carry you through, so it was nice to have their support and the support of the Ukraine fans. This is the closest they could come to watching us play in Ukraine.”

Looking ahead, the responsibility shifts to Lyudmyla and Nadiia Kichenok in the doubles match, where victory would secure Ukraine’s place in the 2026 Finals. Despite the advantage, Svitolina stressed the need for continued focus. “Today has been a good day, but tomorrow is another important day. We will need to focus and go again.”

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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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