“I never had the title,” 21-year-old Ukrainian prodigy gets all confessional as her Australian Open stint draws close

Marta Kostyuk looks back on her Australian Open win and hopes to reach the top 10 in 2024. 

“I never had the title,” 21-year-old Ukrainian prodigy gets all confessional as her Australian Open stint draws close

Marta Kostyuk (Via NZ Herald)

Young Ukrainian tennis prodigy Marta Kostyuk sets her sights on the top 10 ranking as she gears up for the upcoming Australian Open.

A completely different player than she was younger, the 21-year-old is ready to embrace all the challenges that come with competing at a top level.

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Back in 2017, she won the girl’s Australian Open under her mother’s coaching before heading into the professional league ranked way outside 500.

However, her rank did not decide her gameplay, as she soon qualified for the main draw at the 2018 Australian Open. The then-16-year-old girl finished in the third round of the tournament at a very young age, making her one of the most promising stars of the future. 

In a recent interview on ATP, she expressed her reasons for a title and how she needed a title as a token of validation. 

I felt like I needed it to feel that I really belong where I am because I was always promising and a good player, but I never had the title. So it was tough to evaluate where I am. This was kind of a definition that I am moving in the right direction.
Said the young prodigy Marta Kostyuk via ausopen

Now she is currently at World No. 38 and recently won her maiden WTA title in Austin. The Ukrainian also reached new heights in 2023 as she entered the top 40 and even won against three of the top 10 players out of four matches. 

It's a different time of my life. I really feel different outside of the court, on the court. I really don’t know how this year is going to turn out for me. Hopefully very good. I’ve been on tour for many years already. It really feels a lot and hopefully I can finally feel different, like not the young, promising star anymore.
Kostyuk further added

Marta Kostyuk yearning to experience the pressure of being a top 10 player

Recently, young Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk got real in an interview where she spoke about her rise to the top 40 and her plans for the future.

With no Grand Slam behind her name, the youngster is desperate to win a title and curious about experiencing the pressure that comes with winning big titles. With her sights set on the top 10 ranking, the youngster will work towards that.

Marta Kostyuk )Via Pinterest)

Kostyuk’s best Grand Slam finish was in the 4th round of the 2021 French Open. With only the goal of winning a Slam in her mind, the 21-year-old is hopeful for a great year and years under the pressure of holding the top 10 position.

Furthermore, she added that she wants to test herself in that position and not be a one-hit wonder. 

I don’t feel that much pressure anymore because for me frankly, it doesn’t make any difference if I’m 40, 60, or 80 in the world… I think the real difference starts when you’re top 10.
Said the Ukrainian. 

The Ukrainian was a player to watch out for in the future, but with the rise of players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, the Ukrainian has not been able to position herself at the top and will move towards that. 

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