Marta Kostyuk widmet den historischen Viertelfinalsieg der French Open dem „ukrainischen Volk“

After beating compatriot [Elina Svitolina](https://cnn.com/2022/06/27/tennis/elina-svitolina-ukraine-united-24-spt-intl) in an all-Ukrainian quarterfinal at [Roland Garros](https://cnn.com/sport/roland-garros-visual-guide-french-open-vis) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 on Tuesday, [tennis](https://cnn.com/sport/tennis) player Marta Kostyuk was overcome with emotion.

With tears rolling down her face, the 23-year-old addressed the French Open crowd after reaching the first grand slam semifinal of her career, dedicating her achievement to the people of Ukraine who continue to face an uncertain future amid the war with Russia.

“We had a [very difficult night again in Ukraine](https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/01/europe/russia-attack-kyiv-building-damage-intl-hnk), especially in Kyiv, so ⁠many people dead. I want to give this match to the ​Ukrainian people and their resilience. Thank you. Slava Ukraini,” she said.

It was a tough match on an emotional day in Paris, with several Ukrainian flags seen waving in the stands. This was the first time in the Open Era that two Ukrainians were playing each other in the quarterfinal stage of a grand slam, made all the more poignant after another night of violence in their home country.