Ukraine's Kostyuk and Svitolina Reach French Open Semis, Guaranteeing New Champion

A historic moment for Ukrainian tennis is unfolding at the French Open, with Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina advancing to the semifinals, ensuring a first-time women's champion at Roland Garros.

Kostyuk, the 15th seed, delivered a stunning upset by defeating four-time champion Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1. The victory marked Kostyuk's first quarterfinal appearance in Paris and came after losing her previous three matches against Swiatek without winning a set. Swiatek, who celebrated her 25th birthday on Sunday, struggled with unforced errors and double faults, allowing Kostyuk to control the match.

Svitolina, seeded seventh, also secured her place in the final four by rallying past Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. The win sets up an unprecedented all-Ukrainian semifinal, a significant achievement given the ongoing conflict in their home country.

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There’s going to be Ukraine in the semifinals, so it’s already amazing. I think it couldn’t be a better, amazing achievement for Ukrainian tennis. I think in such a difficult situation right now in the war, with the invasion, it’s really, really difficult, and I think it’s really inspiring for the next generation to really believe that it is possible one day to play on this court and win.

"There's going to be Ukraine in the semifinals, so it's already amazing," Svitolina remarked. "I think it couldn't be a better, amazing achievement for Ukrainian tennis. I think in such a difficult situation right now in the war, with the invasion, it's really, really difficult, and I think it's really inspiring for the next generation to really believe that it is possible one day to play on this court and win."

With top contenders like Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic already eliminated, and Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury, the draws in both the men's and women's tournaments are wide open. This creates an opportunity for a new champion to emerge, with Kostyuk and Svitolina carrying the hopes of their nation.

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I’m still in shock. To beat such an unbelievable player, who won four times here.