Kostyuk dedicates Wimbledon quarter-final win to grandfather

New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: Marta Kostyuk dedicated her stunning victory over Jasmine Paolini to her grandfather in Ukraine after she reached her first Wimbledon semi-final.

Kostyuk had not won a match on grass since reaching the third round at Wimbledon two years ago but produced a statement performance to overpower Paolini 6-3 6-2. This victory marked a significant milestone for Kostyuk, who has been striving to establish herself as a prominent figure in women’s .

The 24-year-old, into her second major semi-final after reaching the last four at this year's French Open, impressed with her variety and devastating precision in a 69-minute win. Her ability to adapt her game to the grass surface, which is often considered the most challenging for players due to its speed and low bounce, showcased her growth as a competitor.

Kostyuk will face ninth seed Linda Noskova in the last four after the Czech pushed past Belgium's Elise Mertens shortly afterwards on Court One. This upcoming match is particularly noteworthy as both players are emerging talents in the world, and their clash is expected to draw significant attention.

"I'm so happy I'm able to do this while my grandpa is still alive. He's 89 years old," Kostyuk said. The emotional weight of her victory was palpable as she dedicated it to her grandfather, a figure who has played a crucial role in her life and career. "He's texting me after every single match, telling me what I should do better. These past few matches he didn't. He was just super proud, telling me how good I'm playing. That's a win. I didn't get a lot of messages from him like this in my life." This sentiment reflects not only her personal connection to her family but also the broader context of Ukrainian resilience during challenging times.

Kostyuk, one of Ukraine's most prominent players, has frequently spoken out against the Russian invasion since it began in February 2022. Her advocacy extends beyond the court, as she uses her platform to raise awareness about the situation in her home country. The impact of the conflict has been profound, affecting not just athletes like Kostyuk but the entire Ukrainian populace. The emotional toll of the war has been a recurring theme in her interviews, where she highlights the sacrifices made by her family and the importance of their support.

The 12th seed said she was "very happy" her mother and grandfather were able to witness her reaching the last four at the All England Club. "I think they sacrificed so much time and energy and themselves for my career. They still do," Kostyuk expressed, underscoring the sacrifices that families often make for their children's aspirations. "They're back home now. I feel like they deserve it as much as I do." This acknowledgment of her family's support adds a layer of depth to her achievements, reminding fans that behind every athlete's success story lies a network of support and dedication.

Following her quarter-final win, Kostyuk was asked about the International Olympic Committee's decision to provisionally lift their suspension of Russian athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games. "Well, my thoughts are that it's terrible. I think it's very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved here, not just for Ukraine," she responded. This statement reflects the ongoing tensions in international s, particularly in light of geopolitical conflicts. The decision has sparked widespread debate about fairness and the integrity of competition, especially for athletes from nations affected by conflict.

"I just want to go out there and hopefully beat every single Russian I play in the Olympics, and that's it." This declaration highlights her competitive spirit but also the emotional complexities that athletes face when representing their countries on the global stage. Kostyuk's stance resonates with many who feel that s should not be divorced from the realities of international relations.

'I was flabbergasted'

Wimbledon had been the only Grand Slam where Kostyuk had not reached the fourth round, and she had never contested a WTA Tour-level quarter-final on grass. However, there was no evidence of those previous shortcomings on the surface here despite the draining mid-afternoon heat. Her performance was a testament to her hard work and determination, characteristics that have defined her career thus far.

"Hello Centre Court! My first time playing on this unbelievable court and it's a dream come true," Kostyuk said, capturing the excitement of the moment. "Thank goodness my coach made me walk here yesterday. I was flabbergasted and needed a day to recover." This moment of awe reflects the significance of playing at Wimbledon, a tournament steeped in tradition and prestige.

"I was a spectator here nine years ago watching Roger [Federer] so to make the walk of honour on Centre Court, I tried to soak it all in." This statement not only highlights her personal journey but also the cyclical nature of s, where young fans can aspire to become champions themselves. Winning 11 of the last 14 games to complete victory, Kostyuk celebrated with a pirouette after dazzling Wimbledon's main stage to confirm her once unlikely title-winning credentials.

Noskova, meanwhile, continued the Czech Republic's rich tradition at Wimbledon to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. The Czech Republic has produced numerous successful players, and Noskova's advancement further cements this legacy. The 21-year-old, who has enjoyed a superb grass-court season, secured a confident 6-3 7-5 win with a dominant performance.

Having rarely showed emotion during the match, Noskova crouched to the ground in disbelief as she became the youngest semi-finalist at Wimbledon since Jelena Ostapenko in 2018. This achievement not only speaks to her talent but also to the increasing competitiveness among young players in women’s .

In the last two years, Noskova has won more matches on grass than any other player on Tour, and she said afterwards that she played for moments like this. "The feelings are incredible. Like never before," she said afterwards. "This is why I'm playing, for these matches and these courts, it is a truly special feeling." Her passion for the game is evident, and it resonates with fans who appreciate the dedication required to excel in such a demanding .

With her compatriot Karolina Muchova also reaching the last four on Tuesday, Noskova became the eighth Czech player since 2000 to make it to the final four of the women's singles at Wimbledon. This statistic underscores the depth of talent within the Czech community, as no country has had more semi-finalists in that time span. The success of these players has contributed to a strong national identity in , fostering a culture of excellence.

Both competing in their first Wimbledon quarter-final, Noskova and Mertens seemed tense as they arrived on court and laboured through their opening service games. Mertens, a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion, demonstrated her skills at the net when she lifted a stunning drop shot over the net. However, that was not enough to stop Noskova from breaking serve, and the ninth seed held to love in the following game to wrap up the opener.

Mertens, the 25th seed, continued to battle through her service games and she resiliently fended off six break points in the second set before sending a seventh into the net, gifting Noskova the opportunity to serve for the match. The tension was palpable as both players fought for every point, showcasing the intensity of competition at this level.

And the Czech was a picture of composure as she raced to a love hold to win her 10th match on grass this season following her triumph at the Berlin Open last month. This victory not only propels her into the semi-finals but also boosts her confidence as she aims for further success in her burgeoning career. The narratives of both Kostyuk and Noskova are emblematic of the evolving landscape of women’s , where young players are increasingly making their mark on the .