Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk secured her maiden breakthrough win at the highest level with victory over Varvara Gracheva in the final of the ATX Open.
The 20-year-old has been gradually climbing the ranks and announced herself on the big stage with a run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Ad Kostyuk carried that momentum into Texas, where she powered to the title. Mubadala Abu Dhabi OpenBencic overcomes Kostyuk challenge to advance in Abu Dhabi09/02/2023 AT 09:25 Gracheva, who was also chasing a first career title, put up a strong showing but Kostyuk emerged victorious with a 6-3 7-5 success. «Being in the position I am in now, it is extremely special to win his title and I want to dedicate this to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now,» Kostyuk said. «It is a special moment. »I want to thank everyone who put this tournament on, it is not easy.
You guys are unbelievable." Kostyuk had to show her mettle, as the Ukrainian saved a set point at 5-4 down in the second set — and won back-to-back games shortly afterwards to close out the match.