French Open 2026 Results: Marta Kostyuk Brings Win to Ukraine After Missile Strike Near Family Home

PARIS — Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first-round victory at the 2026 French Open to her country after a Russian missile struck close to her parents' home in Kyiv on the morning of the match.

Kostyuk defeated Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2 6-3 on May 24 at Roland Garros. She became tearful during her on-court interview after the win.

Kostyuk said: "This morning, 100 metres away from my parents' house, a missile destroyed the building. It was a very difficult morning for me, I didn't know how this match would turn out for me or how I would handle it. I have been crying this morning. I don't want to talk about myself today. All my heart and all my thoughts go to the people of Ukraine today."

Russia launched a large-scale wave of overnight strikes against Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. Four people were killed in Kyiv and at least 83 people were injured across the country.

Kostyuk did not shake hands with Selekhmeteva, in line with the long-standing policy of Ukrainian players not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents.

The 23-year-old world number 15 has been an outspoken critic of Russia and Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Kostyuk added: "My biggest example is the Ukrainian people. I woke up this morning and looked at all these people who woke up and kept living their lives, kept helping people who are in need. I knew a lot of Ukrainian people would come out and support today. My friends from Ukraine came to support and I'm very happy to have them here. I'm incredibly proud of myself. I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career."

Match Background

Selekhmeteva was playing her first match under the Spanish flag after switching allegiance earlier in the week.

Kostyuk has recorded 12 wins on clay in 2026, second only to Mirra Andreeva's 15. She remains unbeaten on the surface this season.

She will face American Katie Volynets in the second round. Volynets defeated France's Clara Burel 6-3 6-1.

Kostyuk's Career

The Ukrainian reached the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2021, her best result at the tournament. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Her victory on May 24 came on the same day as the Russian strikes, adding emotional weight to the match. Kostyuk described it as one of the most difficult matches of her career.

French Open Context

The 2026 French Open runs from May 24 to June 7. The tournament is being played at Roland Garros in Paris.

Kostyuk's emotional speech and performance drew attention amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting athletes from the region. She has remained a vocal supporter of Ukraine throughout the conflict.