Kostyuk vs. Swiatek: A Roland Garros Showdown
Ukraine's second-ranked player, Marta Kostyuk, has spoken out ahead of her Round of 32 match at Roland Garros against Iga Swiatek. Kostyuk brings an impressive 15-match winning streak on clay into the contest, a run that includes two clay-court titles: the WTA 250 in Rouen and the WTA 1000 in Madrid. For context, Swiatek—a former world No. 1 and currently ranked third—has dominated this tournament, claiming the French Open title four times: in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The two players have met three times before, with Kostyuk yet to win a single set against her rival. Their first encounter was at Roland Garros back in 2021. The upcoming match is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at 12:00 PM Kyiv time on the main court at Roland Garros.
Kostyuk's Pre-Match Comments
'I've lost to Iga three times, and I've been waiting a long time for another chance to play her. She loves playing here and has won here many times. I know I'm the underdog, but I feel like I have my chances. I'm going to go out there and try to enjoy it as much as possible.'
— Marta Kostyuk
She added: 'I have a completely different feeling compared to my previous matches against her. I think last time, in Cincinnati, I lost the match before it even started—and I don't feel that way anymore.'
Kostyuk emphasized that despite never having taken a set off Swiatek, that fact won't dictate her performance: 'I've still lost to her three times and never won a set. I can't change that reality, but it won't affect my game. If I can win a set, I'll be very happy. I'm really looking forward to this match.'
Kostyuk earned her spot in the fourth round of the 2026 French Open by defeating Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic in straight sets in the third round. This will be her fourth appearance in the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam, following a run to the same stage at the US Open last season and a quarterfinal finish at the 2024 Australian Open.
This match represents a significant milestone for both athletes. The outcome could have a major impact on their rankings and future careers. Riding her impressive clay-court winning streak, Kostyuk has a chance to showcase her growth and elevate her game despite past setbacks. Swiatek, meanwhile, will continue her pursuit of another title, aiming to strengthen her standing in the world of tennis.
As the excitement builds for Kostyuk's upcoming match against Swiatek, it's worth noting the remarkable achievements of Ukrainian women in this year's tournament. This year marks a historic milestone, with four Ukrainian players advancing to the Round of 32 at Roland Garros, showcasing the growing talent in Ukrainian tennis. For more on this unprecedented achievement, check out the details in our article about Ukrainian women's historic performance.