Kostyuk's lucky shorts steal the show after Madrid triumph

Marta Kostyuk has etched her name in tennis history, clinching her maiden WTA 1000 title at the prestigious Madrid Open. The 23-year-old Ukrainian showcased her power and poise, overcoming the formidable Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 7-5 in a commanding performance. This victory marks the most significant trophy of her career and her second title in less than a month, following her triumph in Rouen. Beyond the silverware, Kostyuk's win was accompanied by a touch of quirky charm: a pair of "Lucky Shorts." As revealed during the trophy ceremony, these were not just any undergarments but a cherished good luck charm, a piece of men's underwear humorously kept by her coach. Kostyuk's journey to this moment is a testament to her dedication, and her ability to find joy and luck in unexpected places resonates deeply. For Ukrainian athletes, every victory carries an added weight of national pride and resilience, and Kostyuk's triumph in Madrid is undoubtedly a moment of celebration and inspiration for her country.

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We have a tournament laundry service and sometimes the clothes get mixed up and last year we ended up with this piece of underwear where in it was written 'Lucky Shorts'. So we kept it. My coach Sandra (Zaniewska) kept it as a lucky charm.