Tennis: Glory to Ukraine! Emotional Kostyuk dedicates first title to war victims

LOS ANGELES – Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk clinched her first WTA title on Sunday with victory over Russian Varvara Gracheva and dedicated it to her country and “all the people who are fighting and dying”.

Kostyuk, 20, collapsed to the court sobbing after winning the final of the ATX Open in Austin, Texas 6-3, 7-5. She later refused to shake her opponent’s hand.

Kostyuk, ranked 52nd during the tournament, told the victory ceremony: “Everyone who is in the stands, everyone who is watching, especially in Ukraine, I want to say ‘Slava Ukraini’ (a Ukrainian phrase for Glory to Ukraine).”

“Being in this position right now, it’s extremely special to win this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all the people fighting and dying right now.”

After applause and cheers, she added: “Obviously it’s a very special moment, no matter when it happens.”

Kostyuk has previously been outspoken about the tennis world’s response to

the Russian invasion of her homeland,

saying anti-war platitudes were not enough.

At the Australian Open in January, Kostyuk said it had been “very upsetting” to see Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan,

posing there alongside a Russian flag

with Russia President Vladimir Putin’s face on it. She also

refused to shake hands at the US Open

with Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 saw them and allies Belarus become outcasts in world sport. Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded, even as Moscow calls the conflict a “special military operation” to protect its security and denies targeting civilians.

Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur, who has spent much of his career toiling in Nick Kyrgios’ shadow, is finally grabbing the spotlight in his home country Australia while his flashy compatriot remains sidelined with injury.

De Minaur’s triumph at the Mexico Open in Acapulco over the weekend was not only the 24-year-old’s biggest career title but also ensured he has replaced Kyrgios as Australian No. 1 with his climb to world No. 18.

He roared back from a set down to claim a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 win against American Tommy Paul in the final of the ATP 500 tournament.

“Like everything in my career, it’s been step by step. I know I might not play unbelievable tennis every day, but I know I’m going to fight to the end,” de Minaur said. AFP, REUTERS