Elina Svitolina says French Open quarter-final against Marta Kostyuk 'really inspiring' for Ukraine youngsters in 'difficult' situation

React to this story

Ukraine will be represented in the French Open semi-finals at Roland-Garros with either Elina Svitolina or compatriot Marta Kostyuk flying the flag for the country.

'An amazing opportunity' for Svitolina and Kostyuk to play the flag for Ukraine

Video credit: TNT Sports

Kostyuk and Svitolina will face off in a quarter-final clash between two of the most in-form players on the women's tennis tour.

Svitolina won the Italian Open before her run to the final eight at Roland-Garros, while Kostyuk is undefeated on clay this season, winning the Madrid Open and beating Iga Swiatek with a stunning performance in the fourth round in Paris on Sunday.

Aside from their last-eight match promising the highest of quality, Svitolina feels that by having the guarantee of a Ukrainian in the semi-finals of the French Open, there is inspiration for the young generation of players from the nation who are facing "such a difficult situation right now".

Wimbledon Women's Singles -

'Super special' Federer moment spurs Kostyuk to Wimbledon quarter-final win

09/07/2026 at 00:03

"It's going to be Ukraine in the semi-finals so it's already amazing," Svitolina said after beating Belinda Bencic 4-6 6-4 6-0 on Sunday.

"I think it couldn't be a better tournament for us. It's an amazing achievement for Ukrainian tennis. We have so many great players in the top 100 and coming up as well in such a difficult situation right now with the war.

"It's really, really difficult. I think it's really inspiring for the next generation to believe it is possible one day to be on this court and win."

Kostyuk excited to 'see how far I can go' as shock run continues into quarters

Video credit: TNT Sports

The unseeded Oleksandra Oliynykova, also of Ukraine, reached the third round in Paris, alongside Yuliia Starodubtseva, in a strong showing from the nation at this year's Roland-Garros.

Speaking in her post-match press conference after a convincing victory over four-time French Open champion Swiatek, Kostyuk heaped praise on Svitolina, and is relishing the opportunity to face her compatriot.

"Well, I think we have a really good relationship," Kostyuk said. "She's a legend of Ukrainian tennis, and, you know, such an honour to share the court with her on Tuesday.

"Yeah, I mean, she's paved the way for a lot of Ukrainian girls and boys, and she's doing great. And especially this year, she's doing unbelievable.

"So excited for this match. I have played with her two years ago, and, you know, I know a little bit what to expect, of course. It's going to be a good match, I think."

TNT Sports expert Tim Henman echoed both players' eager anticipation for the quarter-final clash, and said it is an "amazing story" as two Ukraine stars in rich veins of form will come together.

"For both players, it’s an amazing opportunity," Henman said. "They’ve both won so many matches on clay, they’re both in great shape physically and mentally.

'Oh, yes!' - Watch as Svitolina fights back against Bencic in thrilling contest

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Add to that, they’re both from Ukraine, that can add a little bit of extra pressure. It’s an amazing story."

Kostyuk 'believes she can beat anyone'

Kostyuk came through a testing, competitive and break-heavy first set 7-5 against Swiatek before the Pole seemingly imploded on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the No. 15 seed running rampant and only allowing the 'Queen of Clay' a single game in the second.

The victory was Kostyuk's 16th in succession, and TNT Sports expert Alex Corretja feels the 23-year-old is in an elite headspace.

”She is on fire," he said. "Her forehand was working well, backhand too. But her self-belief is so high. She believes she can beat anyone including four-time champion Iga Swiatek. I’m extremely impressed by her performance.

Highlights: Stunning upset as Kostyuk downs four-time champion Swiatek

Video credit: TNT Sports

”She was feeling so much confidence on the court. She was with the flow and woke up this morning and said this is an amazing opportunity to play against Iga on Chatrier because she really thought it would go her way. She had the momentum.

”It was a very tough loss for Iga as I thought she’d be one of the main favourites. This match was very difficult for both but Iga is a major champion and has been adjusting a little bit, especially with the forehand and playing with more height these days.

"I felt today she was rushing it a little bit as she was under pressure against Marta as the Ukrainian was hitting the ball very hard but she’s more solid these days and makes fewer mistakes.”

- - -

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to watch live on HBO Max.

Wimbledon