Marta Kostyuk defeated Russia’s Varvara Gracheva to win the singles title at the WTA ATX Open
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk brought glory to her nation by winning the ATX Open and the victory was made sweeter by the fact that it came against a Russian opponent. Kostyuk has always been critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and she even refused to shake hands with her opponent after the match. Kostyuk defeated Gracheva 6-3, 7-5 to take home the crown from Austin, Texas.
Kostyuk was understandably elated and emotional after this incredible victory. “Being in the position that I am in right now, it is extremely special to win this title,” she said and dedicated the victory to all the people who are fighting against the Russians and dying for their motherland. With this win, Kostyuk has become the first Ukrainian player to win a singles title on the ATP or WTA tour since the Russian invasion last year.
Let us take a look at some of the reactions from fans on social media.
“Very delicate situation with these 2 playing each other in final. It was handled by both players well and everyone involved”, wrote a fan.
“So happy for this Ukranian victory”, tweeted an emotional fan.
“Bringing politics in sports if you would have been considerate enough to think people outside than Ukraine would want to empathise or look up to you or your actions you should be more accepting and big hearted I’m sure wta is not with your behaviour at all”, read a tweet.
“Very well deserved. It is never too late to raise that trophy. But for your reference. We expected you to hold the trophy of 1000 event as your level of tennis far from what your performance last year. We still believe you are definitely a top 10 player and the best yet to come”, tweeted another hopeful fan.
Another fan wrote: “Congratulations @marta_kostyuk. Amazing speech and words to the people in Ukraine.”
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