Marta Kostyuk celebrates after beating Oksana Selekhmeteva in their French Open 2026 first-round women's singles match. | Photo Credit: AP

Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first-round win on Sunday at French Open 2026 to her home country of Ukraine, saying her parents’ house was nearly hit by a missile earlier in the day.

The Kyiv native beat Oksana Selekhmeteva, who was born in Russia but obtained Spanish nationality four days ago, 6-2, 6-3, to get her campaign in Paris off to a strong start.

“I’m incredibly proud of myself today, I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my life,” 15th seed Kostyuk said on court.

ALSO READ | French Open prize money controversy: Players leave press conferences early; Djokovic stays away from protest

“This morning, 100 metres from my parent’s house, a missile fell. I’m obviously very happy to be in the second round. All my thoughts and all my heart was to the people of Ukraine today. My biggest example are Ukrainian people today,” she added.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kostyuk has not shaken hands with Russian players before or after her matches.

It was a 12th consecutive victory on clay for Madrid Open winner Kostyuk.

Her next opponent will either be American Katie Volynets or France’s Clara Burel

Andreeva navigates way into Roland Garros second round

Mirra Andreeva advanced to the second round at Roland Garros on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3 win over French wild card Fiona Ferro.

The Russian eighth seed survived a late rally in the second set from the 181st-ranked hometown player to triumph in one hour and nine minutes.

Andreeva, 19, will meet either Spanish qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera or Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in the round of 64.

Published on May 24, 2026