Marta Kostyuk has accused Russian players of staying silent about the war in Ukraine, stating that after four years of conflict, they have clearly taken a side. This came as she reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open.
The 23-year-old Ukrainian player defeated fellow countrywoman Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in an emotional quarter-final match that took place just hours after another night of Russian strikes on Kyiv. Following the match, Kostyuk launched a strong critique against Russian athletes who have not publicly condemned the war.
Kostyuk, who will next face Russian player Mirra Andreeva, said she no longer accepts the excuse that Russian athletes remain silent due to potential repercussions at home.
“There is a way if you don’t agree,” Kostyuk told reporters. “I know some people who have left Russia the moment the war began, who sold all their business, who left everything behind because they just don’t agree with what their country is doing to other people.”
She highlighted Daria Kasatkina, who changed her allegiance from Russia to Australia last year, as an example of someone who has spoken out publicly despite pressure on her family.
“I don’t think she lives in Russia anyway, but the majority of players don’t live in Russia,” Kostyuk said. “There is nothing stopping you if this is something you don’t believe in. After four years, I think they’ve made it very clear whose side they are on.”
Kostyuk’s comments followed questions about remarks from Russian players such as Diana Shnaider and Andreeva, who have previously stated they focus only on tennis and avoid political discussions.
“They are all grown-ups. They know what they’re talking about. They know what’s going on. They have phones. They have Instagram. They have news,” Kostyuk said. “I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people.”
Earlier, Kostyuk dedicated her victory to “the Ukrainian people” after learning of another deadly night of bombings before checking on her family’s safety.
“We had a very difficult night again in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv, so many people dead,” Kostyuk said as she broke down crying on court. “I want to give this match to Ukrainian people and to their resilience. Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine!)”
Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least 18 civilians and wounding more than 100 others, according to authorities.
“I texted my family if they were OK. This is pretty much all I can do,” Kostyuk said.
“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.”
Svitolina mentioned that friends in Ukraine had informed her about the attacks just hours before the match.
“Just very sad that we all have to really put up with this heaviness and pain every single day, and scared moments not knowing what’s going to bring the next day,” Svitolina said.
She will leave Roland Garros to take care of the daughter she has with French tennis player Gael Monfils, but will be cheering on Kostyuk.
“Hopefully she can get the title,” Svitolina said. “It’s going to be massive for Ukraine.”
