Marta Kostyuk: The Journey of a Ukrainian Tennis Star
Marta Kostyuk is a name that resonates in the world of tennis, a young Ukrainian who has captured hearts with her skill, determination, and resilient spirit. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 28, 2002, Marta has emerged as one of the most promising stars on the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) professional circuit. Her journey is marked by early achievements, personal challenges, and an unwavering commitment to her country, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This article explores Marta Kostyuk’s life, career, and impact, a player who combines talent on the court with a powerful voice off it.
Childhood and Tennis Roots
A Family of Athletes
Marta Olehivna Kostyuk was born into a family deeply connected to sports. Her father, Oleh Kostyuk, was the technical director of the Antey Cup, a junior tennis tournament in Kyiv. Her mother, Talina Beiko, was a professional tennis player who reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 391 and won an ITF title in Kyiv in 1994. Marta’s uncle, Taras Beiko, was also a tennis player, while her older sister, Mariya Kostyuk, competed at the collegiate level in the United States. With cousins involved in football and gymnastics, sports run in the Kostyuk family’s blood.
From an early age, Marta was immersed in tennis. Coached initially by her mother at the Antey Tennis Club, she began playing as a child, displaying a natural talent that set her apart from her peers. Her family’s influence was crucial, providing not only emotional support but also a strong technical foundation for her development.
Early Steps in Junior Tennis
At 14, Marta was already showing signs of her potential. In 2016, she won the Orange Bowl, a prestigious junior tournament in Florida, in the 14-and-under category. This was just the beginning. In January 2017, at just 14 years old, she claimed the Australian Open girls’ singles title, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this feat. Later that year, she won the ITF tournament in Dunakeszi, Hungary, without dropping a set, becoming the youngest Ukrainian to win a professional singles title.
In September 2017, Marta won the US Open girls’ doubles title alongside Serbia’s Olga Danilović. In October, she triumphed at the ITF Junior Masters in Chengdu, China, solidifying her status as one of the world’s top junior players. By the end of the year, she reached No. 2 in the ITF junior world rankings, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Professional Circuit Debut
Australian Open 2018: The Breakthrough
The year 2018 marked Marta Kostyuk’s professional debut in spectacular fashion. At just 15, she received a wild card for the Australian Open qualifying rounds. Defeating experienced players like Arina Rodionova, Daniela Seguel, and Barbora Krejčíková, she became the first player born in 2002 to compete in a Grand Slam main draw. Her run ended in the third round, but her performance captivated the tennis world, proving she was more than just a junior prodigy.
That same year, Marta won the Burnie International, a $60,000 ITF tournament in Australia, and reached the final of the Zhuhai Open, another event of the same level. Though she struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, her ability to compete against seasoned opponents highlighted her potential.
Challenges and Growth
The following years brought challenges. In 2019, Marta won two ITF titles and reached the quarterfinals of the Internationaux de Strasbourg, a WTA tournament, after coming through qualifying. However, her season ended with a ranking of No. 155, reflecting the difficulties of transitioning from the junior to the professional circuit. Injuries and the pressure of competing at a high level were also obstacles.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the season, but Marta used the break to prepare. Upon returning, she qualified for the Palermo Ladies Open and the Prague Open, showing resilience. At the 2020 US Open, she defeated former top-10 player Daria Kasatkina in the first round, a significant milestone in her career.
Rise in the World Rankings
2021: A Year of Consolidation
The year 2021 was a turning point for Marta. At the French Open, she reached the fourth round, her best Grand Slam performance to date, defeating former champion Garbiñe Muguruza in the first round. Though she lost to eventual champion Iga Świątek, her performance propelled her into the WTA top 50 by November, reaching No. 50.
Marta continued to show consistency. At the 2022 Australian Open, she reached the third round, defeating the 32nd seed Sara Sorribes Tormo before falling to Paula Badosa. At the Eastbourne International, she beat then-seventh seed Barbora Krejčíková, reinforcing her ability to compete with the world’s best.
First WTA Title: Austin 2023
The most significant moment of Marta’s career came in March 2023, when she won her first WTA title in Austin, United States. In the final, she defeated Russia’s Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 7-5 in 1 hour and 31 minutes. This triumph was especially symbolic, as Marta dedicated the victory to Ukraine, highlighting her commitment to her country amid its ongoing conflict. Her refusal to shake hands with Gracheva after the match reflected her firm stance against Russian players, rooted in her personal experiences and the war in Ukraine.
2024: Top 20 and Consistency
In 2024, Marta reached the peak of her career so far, climbing to No. 16 in the WTA singles rankings in June. She also achieved success in doubles, reaching No. 27 in May 2023. At the Miami Open, she defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and at Wimbledon, she upset world No. 8 Maria Sakkari in a thrilling comeback. Her consistency in high-level tournaments, such as the WTA 500 Adelaide International, where she beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, cemented her reputation as a formidable competitor.
Impact Off the Court
A Voice for Ukraine
Marta Kostyuk is not only a talented athlete but also a passionate advocate for her country. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Marta has used her platform to express her anguish and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. In a 2022 interview at Indian Wells, she criticized the neutrality of Russian players, stating, “No one has told me they’re sorry for what their country is doing to mine. I’m outraged that their only concern is not being able to make bank transfers.”
As a Kyiv native, Marta revealed the emotional toll of competing while her family remained in Ukraine during the bombings. “I wake up not knowing if I still have a family,” she said, describing the war’s impact. Despite initially feeling guilt for being abroad, she found purpose in her career, stating, “My job is to play tennis. That’s how I can help.”
A Shift in Perspective: The Kasatkina Case
In 2025, Marta demonstrated her ability to evolve in her convictions. After years of refusing to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players as a form of protest, she changed her stance toward Daria Kasatkina, who had renounced her Russian citizenship to play for Australia. After defeating Kasatkina at the WTA 1000 in Rome, Marta shook her hand, stating, “When someone speaks the truth and acts accordingly, that person deserves respect.” This gesture was widely praised, highlighting the intersection of sports and humanity.
Playing Style and Personality
Technique and Versatility
Marta Kostyuk is known for her aggressive and versatile playing style. Her tactical serve, as shown in her 2025 victory over Kasatkina in Montreal, where she used an underhand serve to catch her opponent off guard, reflects her creativity. Her ability to switch between defensive and offensive play, combined with a strong competitive mentality, makes her a feared opponent.
Resilience and Charisma
Off the court, Marta is charismatic and articulate. Her ability to communicate, whether in interviews or on social media, has endeared her to fans. Quirky moments, like her attempt to communicate with her team through gestures in Montreal, reveal her human and relatable side, further winning over supporters.
Legacy and Future
At 23 years old, Marta Kostyuk has already left an indelible mark on tennis. Her rise from junior prodigy to elite WTA competitor is a testament to her talent and hard work. Moreover, her courage in addressing global issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine, elevates her beyond the realm of sports.
Looking ahead, Marta has the potential to break into the WTA top 10 and win more Grand Slam titles. Her dedication to tennis and her country suggests she will continue to inspire, both on and off the court. Marta Kostyuk is not just a Ukrainian tennis player; she is a symbol of resilience, talent, and hope for a nation in challenging times.
