PARIS — The French Open witnessed an unexpected turn of events as Marta Kostyuk defeated Iga Świątek, a four-time champion, marking Świątek’s earliest exit from the tournament since 2019. Kostyuk secured the victory with a score of 7-5, 6-1, ending Świątek’s hope for another title run.
Świątek struggled with her serve and shot selection during the match. Despite leading in the opening set, she failed to maintain her advantage, allowing Kostyuk to break back twice. Such challenges affected her baseline play and led to a rapid decline in the second set.
Kostyuk’s win added to the series of upsets at this year’s French Open. This marked Kostyuk’s 16th consecutive win on clay in 2026, highlighting her remarkable form this season. Her previous encounters with Świątek had been one-sided, as she had never taken a set off the six-time Grand Slam winner.
This season, Kostyuk has found success on clay, notably winning the Madrid Open at the beginning of the month, following a title victory at the Rouen Open. In a post-match interview, she expressed her newfound confidence and determination, emphasizing the importance of enjoying each match.
The match held deeper significance for Kostyuk due to personal circumstances. Before her first-round win, a missile struck near her parents’ home in Kyiv. Despite the emotional turmoil, Kostyuk managed to focus and perform well on the court.
Sunday’s match showcased Kostyuk’s resilience and skill. She opened the first set with aggressive play, outperforming Świątek in power and consistency. Świątek’s errors and misjudgments further aided Kostyuk’s success.
Świątek left the court after the first set to regain composure, a routine tactic during challenging moments. In contrast, Kostyuk stayed relaxed, engaging with the crowd and practicing serves. When play resumed, Kostyuk dominated, winning six consecutive games after Świątek claimed the first of the second set.
Kostyuk’s advance to her second Grand Slam quarterfinal signals her rising potential in the sport. Her performance at the French Open, especially against a formidable opponent like Świątek, reflects her growth and determination.