Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk, ranked 11th in the world, successfully advanced past the second round of the US Open. In her round of 32 match at the 2026 US Open, she comfortably defeated former world No. 3 and 2017 tournament champion Sloane Stephens with a score of 6-1, 7-5. The match lasted 1 hour and 27 minutes, and by its conclusion the Ukrainian had secured her place in the third round of the American major.

Dominance in the first set

From the very first points, Kostyuk seized the initiative and did not allow her opponent to impose her own rhythm. The Ukrainian broke serve twice and took the first set with a clear advantage — 6-1 — leaving Stephens with no real chance to turn the match around so early on.

Set point and the turning point in the second set

In the second set, the American was able to step up her game and force Kostyuk into a more serious battle. Stephens had the opportunity to level the match, but in the tenth game Marta saved a set point on her own serve. After that, the Ukrainian once again took control and closed out the set — 7-5 — and with it the entire match.

Second consecutive win over Stephens

For Kostyuk, this is already her second consecutive victory over Stephens. The two last met just two weeks ago at the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, where the Ukrainian also won in two sets — 7-5, 7-5. Thus, Marta has confirmed her edge in their head-to-head record on both clay and hard courts as part of her preparation for the American major.

Outlook for the third round

In the first round of this year's US Open, Kostyuk defeated Australia's Storm Hunter, and now she will play in the third round. Her next opponent will be the winner of the match between Australia's Kimberly Birrell and neutral player Ekaterina Alexandrova. For Marta, this is already her fourth third-round appearance at the US Open in her career and her third in a row, with her best result at the American major remaining a run to the quarterfinals in 2025.

Context: other Ukrainians at the tournament

Earlier, Ukrainian fans were delighted by a victory at the tournament from Oleksandra Oliynykova, for whom this current event in New York is her second. Thus, the Ukrainian tennis team continues to represent itself at the 2026 US Open, with Kostyuk remaining one of the key figures in the national lineup at this stage of the competition.