Amid Kyiv Attacks, Marta Kostyuk Powers Into Wimbledon Semifinals, Slams IOC Decision on Russia

As the cheers echoed around Centre Court at Wimbledon , Marta Kostyuk was carrying a burden far heavier than the pressure of a Grand Slam quarterfinal. While the Ukrainian star battled for a place in the semifinals, her homeland was once again reeling from deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv .

The 24-year-old produced a commanding performance, defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2 to reach her first Wimbledon semifinal and her second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal after her run at the French Open earlier this year. Yet, for Kostyuk, tennis has unfolded against the constant backdrop of war.

She revealed that recent missile strikes hit residential areas just a few kilometres from where her parents live, making it difficult to focus solely on the sport. Innocent civilians, including children, have been killed in the attacks, and Kostyuk admitted that completely disconnecting from events at home is impossible. Despite the emotional strain, she has tried to remain aware of what is happening in Ukraine without allowing it to overwhelm her on court.

Kostyuk also spoke strongly against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) 's recent recommendation that individual sports move away from requiring Russian athletes to compete under neutral status. Calling the decision unfair, she said she could not support a move that, in her view, overlooks the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 , Ukrainian and Russian players have generally avoided handshakes after matches, a reflection of the deep tensions that continue to affect the sporting world.

Now, Kostyuk stands on the brink of history. She will face Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the semifinals, while Coco Gauff takes on fellow Czech Karolina Muchova in the other last-four clash.

Kostyuk is only the second Ukrainian woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals after Elina Svitolina . Should she advance further, she would become the first woman from Ukraine to reach a Wimbledon singles final — a milestone that would resonate far beyond the grass courts of London.

For Kostyuk, every victory has become more than a sporting achievement. It is a testament to resilience, a reminder of home, and perhaps a source of hope for a nation enduring one of its darkest chapters.