Kostyuk, ready for Swiatek: "I'm curious to see what will change"

Marta Kostyuk is one of the fittest tennis players on the circuit. With her victory over Madison Keys at WTA Toronto 2026, the Ukrainian player has accumulated 23 wins in her last 25 matches, including two Grand Slam semifinals. In the round of 16, she will face Iga Swiatek after defeating her at Roland Garros a few weeks ago, and she has expressed great excitement for this match.

Both players have been performing at a high level in Canada, but it was Kostyuk who managed a clear victory a few weeks ago in Paris, which she believes will cause modifications in Swiatek's strategy and lead to another tough battle. However, Iga has won the other 3 encounters they have had without losing a set, including two on hard court, so it is expected that both will give their all to stage one of the tournament's great matches.

Kostyuk reflects on her first victory over Keys

I think it was a great match. I had lost to Madison twice before playing her today, and I had never beaten her, so I didn't know how the momentum of the match would shift. Obviously, I am very happy with my performance today.

Match strategy and aggressive play from the baseline

I am pleased with the balance I found in the match. I think it's very difficult to overcome someone like Madison. She likes the ball to come to her fast and flat, which allows her to increase the speed even more. I am happy with the tactics, without a doubt. When I had my opportunities, I took them, and that was key today.

Rain delays

We were lucky because we only stopped a couple of times at the beginning of the first
set. After that, the match went smoothly, so it was fine. I tried not to pay too much attention to it because I have no control over it, so I thought the best thing was to wait and, yes, keep playing. I don't think it affected either of us much today. We both handled it well, but obviously, it's not the most pleasant experience, for us or the audience.

Maintaining a positive mindset

Accepting the challenge is important, and I think it's crucial to maintain that standard in how I handle defeats. Having fun and being positive when everything is going well is very easy, and I think we can all do that, but how you face difficult moments and how you handle defeats is where I believe you can always improve. I try to pay close attention to how I feel when I'm down and when I lose. So ask me this question, perhaps, when I lose.

Kostyuk reveals the key to her incredible winning streak

I don't have a definitive answer to that question. One just tries to give their best, learns from mistakes, and tries to move in the right direction with the right intention, hoping that it will take them where they want to go. Again, in my opinion, a lot of luck is still needed, and many things have to fall into place on their own. There are not many people in the position I am in, so I feel incredibly fortunate. 

I have worked very hard all my life, and making the right decisions along the way helped, having the right people helped. I think it's about being consistent day after day, whether it's hard or not. I would love to give you a formula for everyone to use, but there isn't one. That's the best part of it all. Right now, I am focusing on enjoying the challenges I face each day, embracing them and learning as much as possible. I feel very fortunate to practice this sport.

Match in the round of 16 against Swiatek

Well, I beat her in Paris. I am very curious to see what will change for the next match. I will see what I will change for the next match. Again, it's hard court, before it was clay. Different surface, different game. I think it will be a great match. I am excited. I look forward to playing against her again on hard court.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kostyuk, preparada para Swiatek: "Tengo curiosidad por ver qué va a cambiar"