Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was overcome with emotions after winning “one of the most difficult matches of my career” at the French Open, after a Russian missle exploded near her parents’ home earlier Sunday.
Kostyuk won 6-2 6-3 over Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva, who now competes for Spain, to reach the second round at Roland Garros.
There was no handshake like at all matches between Ukrainian and Russian players since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Kostyuk then shared her emotions in the on-court interview after Russia had launched large-scale missile and drone attacks overnight in which several people were killed and dozens injured.
“This morning, 100 metres away from my parents’ house, a missile destroyed the building,” she said.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself. I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career.”
“It was a very difficult morning for me, I didn’t know how this match would turn out for me or how I would handle it. I have been crying this morning. I don’t want to talk about myself today.
“Of course I am happy to be in the second round. But all my heart and all my thoughts go to the people of Ukraine today.”