Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk continues her successful run at the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. In the third-round match, the Ukrainian secured a convincing victory against the world's 19th-ranked player, American Madison Keys. This match was not just another step towards prize money for Kostyuk, but also a significant psychological breakthrough in her rivalry with the experienced opponent.
Historic victory and crushing score
The match against Madison Keys ended with a convincing score of 6:3, 6:1 in Marta's favor. To defeat the American, the Ukrainian needed only two sets, which speaks to her high level of play and excellent physical condition. This triumph was a landmark for Kostyuk, as she managed to secure her first-ever victory in head-to-head encounters against Keys. Previously, the Ukrainian tennis player had lost twice in a row to the American opponent in the third round of Wimbledon — in 2023 and 2024.
Path to the fourth round and prospects
Thanks to this victory, Marta has advanced to the fourth round of the Canadian "1000" tournament for the second consecutive season. Last year, when the tournament was held in Montreal, Kostyuk managed to demonstrate a high level of performance and reach the quarterfinals. Now, her task is to surpass her own result and advance as far as possible in the tournament draw. In the round of 16, the number one Ukrainian player faces a super-heavy test — her next opponent will be Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek, ranked 7th in the seeding.
Anticipation of the match with Swiatek
The last time the tennis players crossed paths on the courts was in May during the French Open, where Kostyuk celebrated her first career victory against the Pole. However, the overall head-to-head statistics still favor Swiatek — 3:1. The quarterfinal match between Kostyuk and Swiatek will take place next Saturday, August 8. This match promises to be one of the most spectacular on the tournament, considering the high level of both athletes.
Contradictory data
While major sources report Kostyuk's victory over Keys, some analysts express doubts regarding the Ukrainian's stability in the long term. In particular, a forecast for the match was published on the livesport.ru platform, where the bet was placed on Keys' victory with odds of 2.50. This indicates that bookmakers and experts did not consider Kostyuk the favorite before the match. Nevertheless, the result of the encounter refuted these expectations and showed that Marta is capable of unexpected surges at key moments.
Charity and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Previously, we reported that Oleksandra Oleinikova directed all the money earned at the tournament in Canada to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This example demonstrates how Ukrainian athletes use their popularity and income to support their country during the war. Marta Kostyuk has also repeatedly stated her willingness to help the military and those affected by the conflict, making her one of the most respected figures in Ukrainian sports.
