Marta Kostyuk Stuns Iga Swiatek in French Open Upset
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk delivered a stunning performance at the 2026 French Open, defeating four-time champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round. The 15th-seeded Kostyuk, 23, secured a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the third-seeded Swiatek, 25, on May 31, marking her first-ever quarterfinal appearance at Roland Garros.
Swiatek’s Birthday Disappointment
Swiatek’s 25th birthday celebrations took a sour turn as she fell to Kostyuk, who claimed her first win against the Polish star after four previous losses. “I’m still in shock to beat such an unbelievable player who won four times here,” Kostyuk said. “I never took a set off her before this, and I still don’t believe it.”
The match saw Swiatek struggle with 39 unforced errors, including 12 double faults. After taking the first set 7-5, Kostyuk dominated the second, winning 6-1. The Ukrainian player, who had previously won the Madrid Open in 2026, extended her unbeaten streak on clay this season.
Historic Achievement for Kostyuk
Kostyuk’s victory not only advanced her to the quarterfinals but also highlighted her growing prowess on clay. The win came just weeks after her triumph at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open, where she defeated top-10 players to claim her second career title. Her performance against Swiatek was described as “a statement win” by the Roland Garros official account.
Swiatek, who had not won a tournament in 2026, faced her joint-worst performance at Roland Garros, matching her last-16 exit in 2019. The loss ended her bid for a fifth French Open title, a feat she had accomplished in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Looking Ahead
Kostyuk is set to face fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, with the winner likely to face Belinda Bencic. The Ukrainian duo’s progress has drawn attention to the rising strength of tennis in the country, which has produced multiple top-10 players in recent years.
“I want to continue enjoying the game,” Kostyuk added. “I don’t play tennis to win, but because I love it. I want to make people happy and bring people together.”
The upset underscores the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tournaments, where underdogs often rise to prominence. Kostyuk’s victory will be remembered as a defining moment in her career and a significant setback for Swiatek’s quest for a historic fifth French Open title.