Mumbai: Marta Kostyuk's impressive win over Iga Swiatek at the French Open is a testament to the importance of mental preparation in tennis. Kostyuk, ranked 15th, defeated the world No.3 and four-time French Open champion Swiatek with a 7-5, 6-1 rout.
The Ukrainian had not taken a set or more than four games in a set off Swiatek in their previous three meetings. This win handed Swiatek her earliest exit from Roland Garros since her first appearance in 2019 and Kostyuk her first quarter-final at the tournament.
Kostyuk came into the Slam as the champion of Madrid and Rouen, unbeaten on clay in a run that has now stretched to 15. She was coached by Sandra Zaniewska and came out with an aggressive gameplan to complement her positive mindset.
Swiatek had been shaky with her serve all week, and Kostyuk was willing to be bold with her return positions from the onset. The Ukrainian won 47 points in rallies of four shots or less, partly due to Swiatek's off-colour forehand, which became a misfiring liability on the day.
Kostyuk was solid and sizzling from the baseline, going toe-to-toe with Swiatek's court movement on clay. She also won six straight games in the second set to seal the win.
Swiatek admitted to feeling tense during the match, while Kostyuk credited her positive mindset and enjoyment of the game for her success. The Ukrainian has now won 15 matches on the bounce, including one against an opponent she had never beaten.
