Iga Swiatek’s pursuit of recapturing the Roland Garros title came to an end in the fourth round when faced with an in-form Marta Kostyuk.
Swiatek, a four-time champion in Paris, was beaten by Kostyuk in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.
The Ukrainian continued her impressive winning streak on clay to 16 consecutive matches, and has not lost a match since the Miami Open in March.
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Kostyuk’s streak included five victories from Rouen, six from Madrid, and a match win at the Billie Jean King Cup.
Following her triumph over clay-court specialist Swiatek, the 23-year-old revealed exactly how she was able to deliver the upset.
Marta Kostyuk reacts after beating Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros
Speaking in her post-match press conference, Kostyuk said: “I was putting a lot of pressure on her second serve, especially. She wasn’t hurting me much with the first serve today.
“I was returning everything, and it’s not easy to play against someone who is returning all your serves and puts a lot of pressure on you on your second serve.
“I don’t think I was serving the right way, some of the games. But then I found a way in the end of the first set and into the second set. This was the key.
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“I think I have a good return and I don’t mind stepping in on the kick serves, which is a problem for a lot of girls.
“I think as the match went on she was feeling it [the pressure] more and more, so her serve was either becoming more desperate in the sense that she would serve harder or make more double faults, or actually serve slower, so I had more time to step in.”
Marta Kostyuk’s next opponent at the 2026 French Open
In the quarterfinals, Kostyuk will take on her compatriot, Elina Svitolina, who is also in fine form.
Asked about her upcoming opponent, Kostyuk said: “I think we have a really good relationship. She is a legend of Ukrainian tennis.
“It would be such an honour to share the court with her if she wins. They still have not finished.
“She has paved the way for a lot of Ukrainian girls and boys, and she is doing great, especially this year, she is unbelievable.
“I am so excited for this match because I played her two years ago, and I know a little bit of what to expect. It’s going to be a good match, I think.”
The head-to-head between the two stars is tied, with Kostyuk winning their most recent match at the Canadian Open in 2024.
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