WATCH: ‘Emotional’ Marta Kostyuk can’t stop her tears after stunning Elise Mertens in a grueling 3-set contest at Australian Open

Marta Kostyuk defeats Elise Mertens in a competitive game.

WATCH: ‘Emotional’ Marta Kostyuk can’t stop her tears after stunning Elise Mertens in a grueling 3-set contest at Australian Open

Marta Kostyuk breaks down after her win (Credit: X)

In the second round of the coveted Australian Open, Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk defeated Elise Mertens to win in a stellar 3-setter match. Upon winning, Kostyuk got emotional and sobbed in victory as she qualified for the third round.

This is what an emotional Kostyuk said after the win:

No words. Thank you guys so much for the support. I don't think I would win this match without you. Australian Open has a very special place in my heart... I love coming back here.
Marta Kostyuk via On-Court interview
YouTube video

The match began with an intensive action. The contest took a long time, with many edges and breakpoints. It ended with Mertens finally taking the lead and winning the set with 7-5. The second set was rather easy for Kostyuk. She did not let Mertens budge past one game and dominated the match with a 6-1 victory.

All came down to the decider set, with both players ready to jeer the opponent down. The battle commenced, with both the players giving their all in. The match soon reached a tiebreaker, which eventually Kostyuk won in 7(10) – 6(6).

The sensational win not only moved Kostyuk but also her team. They all broke down into tears of joy and relief. The Ukrainian will now face Russian player Elina Avanesyan in the third round. It will be an intensive battle, considering Kostyuk refused to play against young Russian player Mirra Andreeva just a month ago. Critics believe the last-minute decision was due to the Russian-Ukraine war.

Why did Marta Kostyuk refuse to play against Mirra Andreeva?

Marta Kostyuk withdrew from the final of the Negometal Open against Mirra Andreeva. She cited the geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine. The surprising move raised eyebrows and added difficulty to the exhibition tournament in France.

Mirra Andreeva (L), Marta Kostyuk (R)
Mirra Andreeva (L), Marta Kostyuk (R) (Sources: Wimbledon/X)

The Negometal Open began on December 15th. It included top players in both the men’s and women’s draws, including Alex de Minaur, Adrian Mannarino, David Goffin, Lucas Pouille, Mirra Andreeva, Varvara Gracheva, and Donna Vekic. After Vekic withdrew from the event, Marta Kostyuk replaced her in the women’s draw.

Ukrainian tennis players have traditionally avoided confrontation with Russians on the court and handshakes before and after matches. However, the Negometal Open was an exhibition event; therefore, players were not subject to the typical competitive protocols. Despite this, Kostyuk withdrew from the final versus Andreeva, citing geopolitical tensions.

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