Roland Garros 2025 first shock: 'Dark horse' Marta Kostyuk falls against Czech underdog Sara Bejlek
WTA
Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk, widely regarded as one of the most in-form players on the WTA Tour this spring, suffered a shocking first-round exit at Roland Garros 2025 at the hands of Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek 3-6, 1-6. This result left fans and pundits stunned, as it was expected that Kostyuk (world. No. 26) was a strong candidate to make a deep run in Paris.
The 22-year-old Kostyuk arrived at the French Open carrying impressive momentum as she had several great clay-court performances that include two very close matchups against world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid and Rome, reaching the quarters and the round of 16 respectively.
Her form in Rome was a strong suggestion that the Ukrainian was peaking just at the right time with Roland Garros a few weeks ahead, leading to be named by tennis analysts such as Andy Roddick as one of the biggest dark horses in the draw.
Her opening round was against world's No- 193, Sara Bejlek, a 19-year-old player from Czechia. Bejlek climbed all the way from the qualifiers to earn her spot at the main draw.
Bejlek, with nothing to lose, jumped to court against a rare version of Kostyuk, who struggled to find her rhythm since the first game.
Several factors likely contributed to Kostyuk's surprising defeat. The pressure of being favorite and the weight of expectations on her may have played a big role, as she was expected to make a good run in Paris. Her recent performances showcased a great level of tennis but also both mental and physical toughness as well.
The early exit of Kostyuk opens up her section of the draw, where she was projected to face world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the third round—a highly anticipated clash that will now not take place. Meanwhile, Sara Bejlek celebrates the biggest win of her career and looks forward to continuing her Roland Garros journey.
Match Statistics Kostyuk vs. Bejlek
| Kostyuk | VS | Bejlek |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 0 | Aces | 0 |
| 5 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 57% (32/56) | 1st Service Percentage | 81% (59/73) |
| 47% (15/32) | 1st Service Points Won | 54% (32/59) |
| 36% (9/25) | 2nd Service Points Won | 71% (10/14) |
| 63% (10/16) | Break Points Saved | 67% (4/6) |
| 25% (2/8) | Service Games | 75% (6/8) |
| Return | ||
| 46% (27/59) | 1st Return Points Won | 53% (17/32) |
| 29% (4/14) | 2nd Return Points Won | 64% (16/25) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 20m | Match Duration | 1h 20m |
At TennisUpToDate.com, our writer—who holds a degree in biochemistry—brings a two-year, research-driven mindset and a sharp editorial voice to every story he tackles. Whether he’s breaking news, dissecting tactical shifts, or crafting in-depth tournament narratives, his work consistently delivers clarity, depth, and a unique lens on the game.
Argentinian-born and a lifelong sports obsessive, he blends analytical rigor with on-court intuition—shaped by years of studying momentum swings, technical precision, and the evolving legacy of tennis’ biggest names. This rare combination of scientific training and sporting insight results in journalism that is not only richly contextual and deeply informative but also encourages readers to think critically, feel connected, and stay engaged.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
