In a powerful display of resilience, Ukrainian tennis players Dayana Yastremska and Marta Kostyuk have reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, despite grappling with the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Results: Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska won 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 against two-time champion Belarusian Victoria Azarenka to move past the last 16 at a Grand Slam event for the first time.
After the match, Yastremska said she felt like her “heart was going to jump out of her body” after she knocked out Victoria Azarenka to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.
Emotional Challenges on the Court:
Dayana Yastremska, who secured her spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Victoria Azarenka, admitted that playing during the Russia-Ukraine war has been emotionally challenging. Yastremska acknowledged the difficulty of focusing on the game amidst the war’s impact on her country but highlighted the resilience she has developed over the past two years.
“It’s tough emotionally to play, but the worst thing is you feel like you were already accepting this, what is happening,” said Yastremska. “But after two years, you get to manage already how to deal with all the emotions and with everything that is going on inside.”
Yastremska expressed the profound impact of the war, affecting not only their personal lives but also their ability to return home freely and the constant awareness of the news and videos depicting the conflict.
Ukrainian Tennis Solidarity:
Marta Kostyuk, who also advanced to the quarterfinals, shared similar sentiments, describing the past two years as “very difficult” but emphasizing personal growth amid adversity. Proudly acknowledging that three Ukrainian women reached the fourth round, Kostyuk highlighted the resilience displayed by the players amidst stress and external challenges.
“I think it just shows that there is no limit in human possibilities withstanding stress and all around it,” said Kostyuk.
Pride in Achievements:
Both Yastremska and Kostyuk expressed pride in their achievements at the Australian Open, underscoring the significance of their presence and success on the court. Yastremska, ranked 93 in the world, will face unseeded Linda Nosková in the quarterfinals, while Kostyuk is set to challenge reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff.
As these Ukrainian tennis stars continue to excel on the international stage, their journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing not just athletic prowess but resilience and determination amidst challenging circumstances. Stay tuned for more updates on their remarkable journey at the Australian Open.
