Ukraine's Kostyuk Defeats Russia's Andreeva to Win Madrid Open Title
Ukrainian player celebrates with backflip after victory; no handshake or joint photo at ceremony amid Russia-Ukraine war tension
Quick Look
- Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine defeated Mirra Andreeva of Russia 7-5, 6-3 to win the Madrid Open on Saturday.
- The players did not shake hands or pose together at the ceremony amid ongoing war since Russia's 2022 invasion.
- Kostyuk, ranked 23rd, claimed her third WTA title and second consecutive tournament win.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The tennis match between players from both countries took place with no post-match handshake, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
MADRID -- Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine beat Mirra Andreeva of Russia 7-5, 6-3 to win the Madrid Open title on Saturday. The two players, whose countries have been at war since Russia's invasion in 2022, did not shake hands at the net after the match or pose together at the awards ceremony. The 23rd-ranked Kostyuk collapsed back onto the clay court and held her hands over her face after converting match point when Andreeva's final shot flew long. After getting to her feet, she did a backflip while the crowd cheered. Andreeva, meanwhile, slumped into her courtside seat and wept into a towel. Kostyuk finished her victory speech with "glory to God and glory to Ukraine." The win was Kostyuk's third WTA title, but her second in as many tournaments after she won at Rouen last weekend. The eighth-ranked Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, congratulated Koystuk when she spoke to the audience after being awarded her runner-up trophy. "I would like to congratulate Marta and her team for the win today and for her season," Andreeva said, while Kostyuk clapped. "You have won two tournaments in a row, so congrats." Kostyuk beat the fifth-ranked Jessica Pegula and 13th-ranked Linda Noskova en route to the final, her first for a WTA 1000 tournament. Against Andreeva, who was playing her third WTA 1000 final, Kostyuk converted all four of her break chances and saved four of six break chances for her opponent. "It feels unbelievable to stand her right now," Kostyuk said. "Up until last year I was 2-7 in Madrid and I never thought I would lift the title here. It was not my favorite tournament for sure, but thanks to the crowd for supporting me."
Open Questions
- Will WTA address the lack of handshake between players from conflicting nations?
- How will this victory affect Kostyuk's ranking?
