Kostyuk gives voice to Ukraine again: "I hope the war doesn't last my entire career"

Pedro de Pablos | 25 Jun 2026 | 21.22

Kostyuk gives voice to Ukraine again: "I hope the war doesn't last my whole career". Source: Getty Images.

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Marta Kostyuk is one of the Ukrainian tennis players who is speaking out the most about the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and prior to the start of Wimbledon 2026 she has once again emphasized that she hopes not to spend her entire career playing with war in the background, as well as criticizing the fact that Russian and Belarusian tennis players who do not speak out on the matter are still allowed to compete.

It has become customary to see Ukrainian tennis players refusing to shake hands at the net after a match with players from both nationalities, but Kostyuk has gone a step further, as she believes they are partly to blame for not taking a stand and displaying appropriate values for the world of sports. Additionally, she delivered a decisive statement regarding a war that has been ongoing since 2022 without respite, although it dates back to 2014.

"I hope the war does not last my entire career. At this moment in my life, the war is one of the most important things I face daily, so I have to speak about it. Since the invasion, Russian and their ally Belarusian players have been allowed to compete as neutrals on the circuit, without national flags or official representation of their country," she stated in an interview with Reuters.

Kostyuk's confession about social media criticism

In fact, Marta went further, stating, "We're talking about players who play without a flag, but still represent their countries; everyone knows they are Russian and Belarusian. I have never said that these players, with what they are going to say, will stop the war, nor have they initiated it with their statements. But the question is: what do you stand for in your life and what are your human values?".

Additionally, the Ukrainian player revealed that by giving voice to the conflict, she is facing a large number of attacks on social media, which has made her realize she is on the right track. "At this point, it has reinforced my sense of purpose, because what fascinates me is the amount of bots that always attack my social media. There is nothing better than this because it means I touch on important issues that people don't want to hear. Previously, it was frustrating and difficult to endure, although I knew most were bots, not real people. But now, I am motivated by it because I know these are topics I have to address."

Kostyuk, the surprise contender at Wimbledon 2026?

After winning two tournaments on the clay court, including her first WTA 1000 in Madrid, and reaching the Roland Garros semifinals, Kostyuk acknowledges what has been the key to her success. "What I have improved most is my mental aspect. I have more control over my thoughts, over my mood. I don't waste too much extra energy on things I can't control. This helps me stay longer in these tournaments. I don't get exhausted or tired much. Obviously, this helps me maintain a higher level."

Nevertheless, she remains grounded. "There are players who have reached Grand Slam semifinals but have never progressed further, or have never reached another Grand Slam semifinal, so it is really difficult to talk about how I think I will play. I wish I could feel like 'yes, Wimbledon or the US Open is mine' or something like that, but I don't think anyone ever feels that way. One faces each tournament one match at a time and sees how it goes," she concluded. Steady but without haste, on the path to the top of the rankings.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kostyuk vuelve a dar voz a Ucrania: "Espero que la guerra no dure toda mi carrera"

Marta Kostyuk