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Kostyuk wins all-Ukraine duel to reach French Open semis / Photo: © AFP
Kostyuk wins all-Ukraine duel to reach French Open semis
Marta Kostyuk beat compatriot Elina Svitolina on Tuesday to reach her maiden Grand Slam semi-final and become the first Ukrainian woman to reach the last four at Roland Garros in the professional era.
Kostyuk, the 15th seed, overcame Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, and will take on Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva on Thursday for a place in the final.
Kostyuk has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. Her home country was hit by hundreds of Russian drones and dozens of missiles early Tuesday, killing at least 18 people.
"We had another difficult night in Ukraine, especially in Kyiv where so many people died, so I want to give this match to Ukraine," said Kostyuk, unbeaten in 17 matches on clay this season.
Kostyuk had also dedicated her opening-round win to Ukraine, hours after her family home narrowly avoided being struck by a missile.
Her showdown with Andreeva will be a rematch of last month's Madrid Open final, which Kostyuk won in straight sets.
"I will be watching the match and definitely cheering for her hopefully that she can get the title," said Svitolina.
"I think it's going to be massive for Ukraine."
Andreeva is set to compete in her second French Open semi-final, two years after her breakthrough run.
She was asked about the challenges of taking on a Ukrainian opponent during wartime.
"For me it doesn't matter who I play. I really try to play against the ball that is coming at me," said Andreeva.
"Usually it doesn't matter to me who I'm playing against, so I'm trying to really focus on the game and on the game plan that I have to use on the court."
L. Andersson--BTZ
