Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has revealed that her strong stance against Russia’s invasion has sharpened her sense of purpose on the professional tour. Despite facing a barrage of online criticism, she claims this backlash only deepens her resolve to speak out.

Kostyuk has emerged as one of the most vocal athletes regarding the conflict, which began in 2022. She has consistently called for greater recognition of the war, firmly rejecting the notion of neutrality and stressing that players must uphold their values even while competing. Her recent impressive run to the French Open semi-finals this month highlighted her commitment, as she addressed sensitive topics with directness that resonated beyond the sporting world.

In an interview with Reuters ahead of Wimbledon, she stated, "Well, I think at this point it has strengthened my sense of purpose, because what I find fascinating is how many bots always attack my social media... I touch important topics people don't want to hear."

Kostyuk remains committed to highlighting the ongoing conflict, expressing hope that the war will not last her entire career. She challenges the perception of Russian and Belarusian players competing as neutrals, stating, "We're talking about players who play without a flag, but they still represent their countries... What do you stand for in your life and what are your human values?"

Beyond her advocacy, Kostyuk expressed satisfaction with her progress during her Roland Garros campaign but faces tempered expectations for Wimbledon due to an off-court ankle injury. She reflected on her mental improvements, stating, "I feel like I just got more control over my thoughts... This helps me obviously to keep the level higher."

As she prepares for her next tournament, Kostyuk emphasizes a match-by-match approach, acknowledging the unpredictability of the game.