Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk after her first-round victory at Roland-Garros, defeating Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva, who now represents Spain, 6–2, 6–3.
“It was one of the most difficult matches of my career. This morning, 100 meters away from my parents' house, the missile destroyed the building and it was very difficult morning for me. I didn't know how this match is gonna turn around for me. I didn't know how I will handle it. I've been crying part of the morning, and I'm…You know, I don't wanna talk about myself today. I'm obviously very pleased to be in the second round, but all my thoughts and all my heart goes to people of Ukraine today. Thank you so much for coming out. Thank you. Slava Ukraini!” - Ukrainian tennis player on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Russian-born Oksana Selekhmeteva was playing her first match under the Spanish flag after switching her sporting nationality earlier this week.
Marta Kostyuk did not shake hands with her opponent, in line with the long-standing practice among Ukrainian players of not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian athletes.
The French Open is taking place at Stade Roland-Garros in Paris.
The clay-court Grand Slam runs from May 24 through June 7.