Kostyuk dedicates French Open win to Ukraine after Russian drone strikes

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk won her French Open first-round match and emotionally dedicated the victory to Ukraine. The dedication came following Russian drone and missile attacks on the country.

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk delivered an emotional dedication to her home country of Ukraine after securing a first-round victory at the French Open in Paris. The win came on a day marked by tragedy back home, as Russian forces launched drone and missile strikes across Ukraine.

Kostyuk, who has been one of the most vocal Ukrainian athletes speaking out against the ongoing war, made her feelings clear following the match. The young player has consistently used her platform on the tennis circuit to draw attention to the conflict in her homeland.

The French Open, held annually at Roland Garros in Paris, is one of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments. Kostyuk's gesture adds to a series of emotional moments Ukrainian athletes have experienced while competing internationally as the war at home continues.

Kostyuk has previously made headlines for refusing to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents in protest of the invasion of Ukraine. Her dedication following this latest victory underscores the personal toll the ongoing conflict takes on Ukrainian athletes competing far from home.