Marta Kostyuk's first-round French Open match was marred by news of a missile strike near her parents' home in Ukraine the same day, but she made sure to keep going and inspire her country as she advanced to the second round.
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros , Paris , France - May 24, 2026 Ukraine 's Marta Kostyuk in action during her first round match against Russia's Oksana Selekhmeteva REUTERS/Benoit Tessier PARIS, May 24 - Ukraine 's Marta Kostyuk made short work of Oksana Selekhmeteva with a 6-2 6-3 victory in the first round of the French Open on Sunday and said she was proud of how she remained focused even as the war in her country hit closer to home.
The 23-year-old Rouen and Madrid champion extended her winning streak on clay this season to 12 matches but said the result was overshadowed by news of a missile strike near her parents' home in Ukraine earlier on Sunday. Kyiv and surrounding areas were hit with hundreds of drones and missiles in one of the heaviest bombardments of the Ukrainian capital since Russia's invasion four years ago.
"I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career. This morning, 100 metres away from my parents' house, a missile destroyed a building. It was a very difficult morning for me.
"I didn't know how this match would turn out. I didn't know how I'd handle it. I don't want to talk about myself today. I'm very pleased to be in the second round, but all of my thoughts and my heart goes to the people of Ukraine today.
" Kostyuk, who has been one of the most vocal opponents of the war, said it was important for her to keep going. "I woke up in the morning and I looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their lives, kept helping people who are in need. I knew a lot of Ukrainian flags would be here, and a lot of Ukrainian people would come out and support.
The 15th seed's opponent Selekhmeteva was born in Russia but switched allegiance to Spain ahead of Roland Garros. Tennis-Monfils happy to have inspired Black players as retirement nearsTennis-Players accuse Grand Slams of ignoring concerns as tensions rise in Paris
Tennis French Open Roland Garros Paris France Ukraine Marta Kostyuk Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2 6-3 Rouen Madrid War Support Black Players
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