Marta Kostyuk says learning to block out the realities of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become essential during her run to the French Open semi-finals, even as the conflict remains never far from her thoughts.
Kostyuk beat compatriot Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time. It was the first all-Ukrainian quarter-final at a major in the professional era.
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The 23-year-old Kostyuk fought back tears on court as she dedicated the win to Ukraine, which was hit by hundreds of Russian drones and dozens of missiles early Tuesday, killing at least 21 people.
“With everything that’s happening, for me being here is real blessing, and I don’t think about winning. It’s not the most important thing for me,” Kostyuk told reporters.
“I’m here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy.”
Kostyuk has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. She revealed after her opening-round win that her family home narrowly avoided being struck by a missile.
“There is nothing I can do about it, but just follow what’s going on,” she said.
Kostyuk explained that she turns off news notifications on her phone during the night to focus as best as she can on tennis.
“I will change absolutely nothing, and I will just not get any sleep,” she said.
“If I cannot live without news and not follow them, then I might as well go back to Ukraine and live there, you know, because I’m here, I’m safe, I’m here to do my job. I obviously try to separate these things.”
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