Marta Kostyuk’s Madrid makeover: Bold adjustments behind her title run

Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

Kostyuk opens up about past struggles

Despite past difficulties with the Madrid conditions, Kostyuk grew into the tournament as it went on.

After defeating Coco Gauff in the semi-finals and handling Elena Rybakina in the last eight, Kostyuk looked back at those moments and called them career highlights.

It was a strong run through a stacked field for Kostyuk. She opened with wins over Sorana Cirstea and Daria Kasatkina before going on to beat Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets, setting up her quarter-final against Rybakina.

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Marta Kostyuk reacts after winning the Madrid Open title

Speaking to reporters, Kostyuk explained: “When Sandra told me today, she was like, you know, when we came here our first time being at this tournament was two years ago, and I lost first round.

“And she was like, I don’t understand why she doesn’t like to play here, the conditions suit her game really well. And I never saw it that way.

“Then last year I got injured before Stuttgart and I didn’t manage to defend my final. I came here a bit earlier, still a bit injured from my ab.

“I think being a little bit injured just gave me a different perspective on the game here or, you know, what I should do here. And it was working out really well.

“I had unbelievable quarterfinal match last year. And, you know, this year it was even better. Yeah, I think I don’t know exactly answer to that, for sure.”

Ranking boost doesn’t change Marta Kostyuk’s mindset

Kostyuk’s victory took her from world number 23 to 15, though she made it clear that the jump wasn’t something she was concerned about.