KOSTYUK: “I play with the pain in my heart. People were left without electricity and hot water.”

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk At the awards ceremony held after the WTA 500 finals in Brisbane, he reminded of the war in Ukraine:

“First of all I want to thank all the volunteers, the ball boys, everyone involved in organizing this tournament, the Queenstown government and the thousands of people who make these tournaments possible for us. And I also want to thank the wonderful crowds this week. I’ve had an incredible week and it was great playing in front of you.

I would like to say a few words about Ukraine. I play with the pain of my heart every day because now thousands of people are left without electricity and hot water.

It’s minus 20 degrees outside, so it’s painful to live with that reality every day. It’s very hot in Brisbane, so it’s hard to imagine, but my sister sleeps under three blankets because of the cold at home, I was incredibly touched and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags this week.

I want to thank all the opponents I played with this week. You make me better, you push me to be better every week, every day, and I’m so happy to be a part of this journey.

I want to thank my team. Sorry, I lost again in the final. This is the third time but maybe next time I’ll win. Not “maybe” but definitely. And yes, thank you very much for your support. Thank you to my wife for being with me this week. And yes, thank you very much everyone. Glory to Ukraine!”

On January 11, Kostyuk lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian 500 final with scores of 4:6 and 3:6.

Video review of the Marta Kostyuk – Aryna Sabalenka match