"This morning, 100 meters from my parent’s house, the missile destroyed the building" - Marta Kostyuk overcome with emotion after traumatic events in Ukraine overshadow French Open win

Marta Kostyuk was full of emotion after winning her opening match of the French Open 6-2, 6-3 against Oksana Selekhmeteva. She unveiled after the match the emotional turmoil she had been through earlier in the morning as a missile landed 100 metres away from her parents house in Ukraine.

The Madrid Open champion featured on court for the first time since winning the title, taking some time to rest and recover ahead of a highly anticipated return to Roland Garros. She began on the front foot, sailing into a 3-0 lead before her opponent managed to get on the board after narrowly avoiding a break point.

Kostyuk broke to serve it out but would have to do it on Selekhmeteva's serve after the Russian (who is soon to be representing Spain) kept herself briefly in contention. She then took the lead with a hold to love at the start of the second set before Kostyuk stamped her authority on proceedings, winning five games in a row before seeing it out on serve with her third match point.

This result was a hugely positive one, but events that occurred previously had left her emotional and shaken, but still very proud of herself for getting through it.

After the match, she spoke about the traumatic events that occurred in her home country of Ukraine. “I’m incredibly proud of myself today," she began. "I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career. This morning, 100 meters from my parent’s house, the missile destroyed the building. It was a very difficult morning.

She was unsure on how the match would go, but she did brilliantly to keep her emotions in check and get over the finishing line. "I didn’t know how this match is gonna turn out for me. I didn’t know how I would handle it. I’ve been crying part of the morning. I don’t wanna talk about myself today. I’m very pleased to be in the 2nd round, but all of my thoughts and all my heart goes to the people of Ukraine today. Thank you so much for coming out. Slava Ukraine.”

Despite everything going on, she was determined to still get out on court, inspired by her people who have continued to live with the ongoing conflict for a number of years now.

“Because I think it’s important to keep going," she continued. "My biggest example is Ukrainian people. I woke up in the morning today and I looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their live, kept helping people who are in need. I knew a lot of Ukrainian flags would be here today and a lot of Ukrainian people would come out and support. My friends from Ukraine came as well. Very happy to have them here. Not much I can say.”

The 15th seed is still unbeaten on clay in 2026 having taken the titles in Rouen and Madrid. She will return to compete in the second round against one of Katie Volynets or French wildcard Clara Burel.