Marta Kostyuk Incredibly Proud After Winning All-Ukrainian Final: “It Was a Historical Moment”

Marta Kostyuk lifted her career's second singles title by defeating countrywoman Veronika Podrez.

Marta Kostyuk Incredibly Proud After Winning All-Ukrainian Final: “It Was a Historical Moment”

Marta Kostyuk (Image via X/Bastien Fachan)

In Short
  • Marta Kostyuk won the all-Ukrainian WTA singles final against Veronika Podrez, claiming her first title of the season.
  • This victory marks Kostyuk's second career singles title, following her win at the 2023 ATX Open.
  • Kostyuk dedicated her title to her coach, Sandra Zaniewska, emphasizing their journey together.

In what was an all-Ukrainian WTA singles final in the history of tennis, Marta Kostyuk registered a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Veronika Podrez in one hour and 21 minutes to claim the WTA 250 title at the Open de Rouen on Sunday (April 19). It was Kostyuk’s first title of the season in her second final.

She reached the championship match of the Brisbane International but failed to battle past the dominant Aryna Sabalenka. It was also her career’s second singles title, following the 2023 ATX Open. Since that win, Kostyuk had lost three consecutive finals before ending her title drought in the French city.

I will not speak in French. Sorry guys, I just don’t know it. I would love to. For me, this match was not just a match. I think it was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears, and sweat goes into this sport to be able to be on this stage. I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now. We have six top 100 players.

Marta Kostyuk said during her winner’s speech

But for the 19-year-old Podrez, it was her career’s first singles final. She became the third player in the last two seasons to progress to a singles final on debut, following Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and Lilli Tagger. She has entered the top 200 for the first time and achieved her career-best No.147 ranking.

I just hope that this match and me and Veronika will be able to inspire more kids to try this sport, to pick up a racket for the first time, and truly enjoy these emotions and passion and everything that this sport brings.

Marta Kostyuk added

With this win, Kostyuk has now won combined singles and doubles titles on all three surfaces at the WTA 250 level. She lifted her two singles titles on hard court and clay, and the couple of doubles titles that she won came on hard court and grass court.

Thrice she has finished as a runner-up in WTA 500-level events (2024 San Diego Open, 2024 Stuttgart Open, and this year’s Brisbane International). The victory has helped her inch closer to the top 20. At present, the former World No.16 stands in 23rd spot on the rankings table.

Marta Kostyuk dedicates her trophy to her coach

Marta Kostyuk got emotional during her speech when she was dedicating her title to her coach, Sandra Zaniewska. This marked the first time the 23-year-old clinched a title under the Polish coach.

Marta Kostyuk (2)
Marta Kostyuk (Image via X/Kostyuk Fan)

I’m trying not to be emotional, sorry. I want to thank my coach. This is our first title together. I want to dedicate it to you. We’ve been through so much together through very difficult moments, through beautiful moments…so I’m really thankful for your patience, for your dedication, and everything you’ve poured into me this past three years. This title is for you. Thank you.

Marta Kostyuk said

Next is the Madrid Open, the main draw of which is set to start on April 21. Kostyuk, seeded 26th, will start her campaign against Tereza Valentova or Yulia Putintseva. If she reaches the third round, she could face fifth seed Jessica Pegula, who is also a former runner-up (2022) in the Spanish capital.

Kostyuk is a one-time quarterfinalist in Madrid, reaching the stage last year and losing the match to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. It was also the first time Kostyuk advanced past the second round in the tournament. Kostyuk has yet to taste success in a WTA 1000 tournament and has so far reached one semifinal (at the 2024 Indian Wells).

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