Ukrainian Tennis Star Dedicates French Open Win: ‘So Many People Dead’

BusinessSportsMoneyUkrainian Tennis Star Dedicates French Open Win: ‘So Many People Dead’ByAdam Zagoria,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I'm a basketball and tennis insiderFollow AuthorJun 02, 2026, 09:26am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk (L) and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina (R) embrace at the end of their women's quarter final singles match on day 10 of the French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 2, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesMarta Kostyuk defeated fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in three sets to reach the French Open semifinals on Tuesday, and then dedicated the win to the victims of the war with Russia.No. 15 Kostyuk defeated No. 7 Svitolina, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach her first major semifinal against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva and then broke down in tears.“First, I want to start with this historical match that we played with Elina,” Kostyuk said on court. "We had very difficult night again in Ukraine, especially in Kiev, so many people dead, and I want to give this match to Ukrainian people and to their resilience.“Slava Ukraini,” she added while wiping away tears.Fans draped in Ukrainian flags and holding up signs that read “Ukraine” and “Kostyuk” smiled and clapped in support.After her first match, Kostyuk showed pictures of a Russian missile landing about a 100 meters from her home.PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 02: Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, in tears during her on-court, post-match interview, is consoled by Marion Bartoli after her victory against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine on Court Philippe Chatrier in the Quarter-Final round of the singles competition at the 2026 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 2nd, 2026, in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images)G...