She noted the presence of Ukrainian flags and friends who arrived to offer their support at Roland Garros.
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"I knew a lot of Ukrainian flags would be here today and a lot of Ukrainian people would come out and support.
My friends from Ukraine came as well. Very happy to have them here.
Not much I can say," Kostyuk said.
Career Resurgence After Rock Bottom
The victory marks a significant turnaround for the 23-year-old Kostyuk, who had considered quitting the sport at the end of 2025 after hitting what she described as rock bottom.
"I kind of hit rock bottom," Kostyuk said in a video interview prior to the tournament.
Kostyuk explained to her coach that she felt like she was shedding her skin layer by layer, addressing deep emotional difficulties that had accumulated over four years.
"I told her that it feels like I'm literally shedding my skin.
Like it's coming off, and I have to rip it, and it's very painful because you hit these very deep, emotional things that are difficult to process," she said.
Despite a data analysis showing her performance warranted a top 10 position, Kostyuk remained frustrated with her ranking earlier in 2026.
Her coach, Sandra Zaniewska, told her to wait, a prediction validated after Kostyuk secured the WTA 1000 title in Madrid.
Following her opening match in Paris, Kostyuk expressed immense pride regarding her mental focus.
"I'm incredibly proud of myself today," Kostyuk said during her on-court interview.
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Kostyuk will face either Katie Volynets or Clara Burel in the second round of the French Open.
