Kostyuk balances war at home and title run at French Open
Marta Kostyuk says learning to block out the realities of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has become essential during her run to the French Open semi-finals, even as the conflict remains never far from her thoughts.
Kostyuk beat compatriot Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time. It was the first all-Ukrainian quarter-final at a major in the professional era.
The 23-year-old Kostyuk fought back tears on court as she dedicated the win to Ukraine, which was hit by hundreds of Russian drones and dozens of missiles early Tuesday, killing at least 21 people.
"With everything that's happening, for me being here is real blessing, and I don't think about winning. It's not the most important thing for me," Kostyuk told reporters.
"I'm here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy."
Kostyuk has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. She revealed after her opening-round win that her family home narrowly avoided being struck by a missile.
"There is nothing I can do about it, but just follow what's going on," she said.
Kostyuk explained that she turns off news notifications on her phone during the night to focus as best as she can on tennis.
"I will change absolutely nothing, and I will just not get any sleep," she said.
"If I cannot live without news and not follow them, then I might as well go back to Ukraine and live there, you know, because I'm here, I'm safe, I'm here to do my job. I obviously try to separate these things."
Kostyuk added: "Of course, when I woke up today, I saw it was all over the news. I texted my family if they were okay. This is pretty much all I can do.
"The biggest thing I can do is sit here and talk about it so more people can find out about it so they don't get used to this terrible life."
- 'Do my job' -
Kostyuk is enjoying an astonishing run on clay this season, unbeaten in 17 matches and winning titles in Madrid and Rouen.
The ongoing conflict in her homeland will form an unavoidable backdrop as Kostyuk faces Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva for a place in the final on Thursday.
It is also a rematch of last month's Madrid Open final, which Kostyuk won in straight sets.
"I usually never care who is on the other side of the net. I'm there to play tennis and do my job, and that's it," said Kostyuk.
Andreeva is set to compete in her second French Open semi-final, two years after her breakthrough run.
She offered a similar response to Kostyuk's when asked about the challenges of taking on a Ukrainian opponent during wartime.
"For me it doesn't matter who I play. I really try to play against the ball that is coming at me," said Andreeva.
"Usually it doesn't matter to me who I'm playing against, so I'm trying to really focus on the game and on the game plan that I have to use on the court."
As for Svitolina, who fell at the quarter-final stage at Roland Garros for the sixth time, she will be rooting for Kostyuk to become Ukraine's first Grand Slam singles champion.
"I will be watching the match and definitely cheering for her hopefully that she can get the title," said Svitolina.
"I think it's going to be massive for Ukraine."
P.Ghosh--MT
