Marta — Ukrainian tennis player, champion, and leader
Her story is a testament to how perseverance, family support, and inner resilience help overcome challenges, stay strong under pressure, and grow. Today, Marta is one of Ukraine’s most recognized tennis players, consistently competing at the highest international level.
Sport Has Always Been a Part of Marta’s Family Life
In Marta’s family, sport has always been an inseparable part of life.
She was born on June 28, 2002, into a sports-oriented family. Her mother, Talyna Beyko, was a professional tennis player who won two ITF singles titles and represented Ukraine in the Fed Cup in 1995. She also became Marta’s first coach.
Her father, Oleh Kostyuk, worked as the technical director of a junior tennis tournament. Sports connect the entire family: Marta’s sister, Maria, also plays tennis, and Zoryana is involved in both tennis and track and field. Her cousins Vadym and Myroslav Slavov are footballers, while her cousin Oksana Slavova is an Austrian gymnast.
Photo: Marta Kostyuk with her family
Athletic Journey: First Steps and Challenges
Victory at Petits As in France and ITF Debut in Sharm El Sheikh
Marta won the prestigious Petits As tournament — an unofficial world championship for players aged 12–14, previously won by global tennis stars. In August, she made her debut at the professional level, and by October, reached the Round of 16 at an ITF tournament in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Junior Grand Slam Titles and First ITF Win
Marta captured her first junior Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, secured two ITF titles, and earned a gold medal at the European Junior Championships.
Professional Debut at the Australian Open and First WTA Successes
Marta became the youngest player to enter the main draw of the Australian Open, earning wins over Peng Shuai and Olivia Rogowska. She went on to win the Burnie International in Australia, broke into the WTA Top 200, and made her debut in the Fed Cup.
Debuts at the US Open and Roland Garros
Marta made her first appearances at the US Open and Roland Garros. She achieved success in doubles at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals.
WTA 500 Semifinal
Marta reached the semifinals at the Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open and the Istanbul Cup, rising to No. 77 in the WTA rankings. In June 2021, Marta Kostyuk was named to Ukraine’s Olympic team for the Tokyo Games but had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.
Wins at ATX Open and Two Doubles Titles
Marta Kostyuk won the 2023 ATX Open in singles and claimed two doubles titles — at the Slovenia Open 2022 and the Birmingham Classic 2023. That same year, she founded the Marta Kostyuk Foundation, which works to promote tennis in Ukraine.
Marta is also an ambassador and advisor for the Wilson brand, which supports her on her path to new athletic achievements.
In addition to her athletic success, in 2024 Marta earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching from Akademia Nauk Stosowanych Wincentego Pola w Lublinie.
Quarterfinal at the Australian Open
Marta Kostyuk achieved her best Grand Slam result by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open. That same season, she entered the WTA Top 30 for the first time, debuted in the Top 20, and reached a career-high ranking of №16. She played in the final of the San Diego tournament and posted strong results in Stuttgart.
Marta also competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, reaching the quarterfinals.
Additionally, Marta was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the “Sports” category.
Victory over Coco Gauff
Marta defeated World №3 Coco Gauff at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha and reached the fourth round at Indian Wells and in Miami.
In May, she continued her strong run by reaching the quarterfinals in Madrid.
Love for Ukraine
Beyond sports, Marta’s family has always valued education, culture, and national identity.
According to family memories, Marta’s grandfather was the one who proposed the name Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), which today is a powerful national symbol.
At the age of 13, Marta spoke in the Ukrainian Parliament, calling for better conditions for youth sports. That moment helped her realize how important it is to support change in Ukraine.
Photo: Marta in the Verkhovna Rada — her first public speech about sport
Balancing Sports and Life
Marta’s journey in professional tennis hasn’t always been easy. After her early victories, she faced pressure from expectations and internal struggles. Searching for balance between tennis and personal life led her to work with a psychologist — a crucial step toward inner harmony.
Today, Marta believes that caring for mental health is just as essential to success as physical training.
Charity Work: Founding the Marta Kostyuk Foundation
In 2023, Marta and her family founded the Foundation to make tennis accessible across Ukraine. Her mission is to help everyone grow through sport.
Marta believes tennis is not just about physical fitness, but also about personal growth and inner strength.
Tennis taught me to be strong and keep going through challenges. I want our Foundation to give more kids that same support — and help them find their own path.
— Marta Kostyuk
Foundation Strategy Approved in 2024
Last year, the Foundation approved its official development strategy, focused on expanding programs and supporting young talent. A key milestone was signing memorandums of cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, Lviv City Council, Ukraine Global Scholars, and the Ukrainian Tennis Association.
Marta is the Foundation’s first donor and is actively working to engage partners to bring initiatives to life and achieve shared goals.
Photo: Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, with Marta Kostyuk
Photo: Matviy Bidnyi, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, with Marta Kostyuk
Photo: Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, with Marta Kostyuk
