Article #16835

• Ukrainian beats Russian 6-3, 7-5 at Caja Mágica

• Kostyuk extends her 11-match winning streak

Marta Kostyuk took an enormous step towards fulfilling her potential as the Ukrainian closed out an incredible week by winning the biggest title of her career at the Madrid Open, defeating Mirra Andreeva, of Russia, 6-3, 7-5. Although Kostyuk’s run through a WTA 1000 draw was unexpected, this did not come out of nowhere. Kostyuk won her second career WTA event in Rouen just before Madrid and has now put together an 11-match winning streak to rise to a career-high world ranking of 15.

This result has been a long time coming. Now 23, she broke through as a 15-year-old, reaching the third round of the Australian Open as a qualifier. She is one of the best athletes on the tour, blessed with a varied and well-rounded game.