Latest news with #Kostyuk
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aryna Sabalenka Stirred Controversy on Purpose, Discloses Marta Kostyuk Before Italian Open Blockbuster
As Marta Kostyuk gears up to face Aryna Sabalenka again, this time at the Italian Open, the Ukrainian touched on the highly controversial moment that marred their last encounter during the Madrid Open. Sabalenka halted play mid-rally in a tiebreak to avoid a potential double fault. The incident left Kostyuk visibly frustrated and sparked questions about fair play, umpiring decisions, and sportsmanship. Advertisement 'Yes, we did consider raising it with the WTA,' Kostyuk said in an interview at the Italian open. 'Sandra [Zaniewska] had a few questions, and maybe we'll come back to it during Roland Garros. But of course, nothing will change now.' The moment in question occurred during a high-pressure tiebreak when Sabalenka, mid-rally and facing a second serve, stopped play due to light rain. However, the chair umpire had not made any official call to halt the match, which left Kostyuk fuming at what she viewed as a blatant breach of protocol. 'The rally had already started — she had no right to interrupt it,' Kostyuk emphasized. Advertisement "No matter what the rules say, it's nearly impossible to challenge the chair umpire's call in real time — it all happens in a split second," continued Kostyuk. "The situation was strange — if Sabalenka had stopped the point before the first serve, I wouldn't have any complaints, but the rally had already started and she had no right to interrupt it," she added. Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning a point against Jessica Pegula© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images What added further fuel to the fire was Sabalenka's post-match admission that she intentionally paused play to avoid a double fault. 'What's most absurd is that she later admitted in an interview that she did it on purpose to avoid a double fault,' said Kostyuk. 'I have so many questions and not a single answer. But that's how it goes sometimes. She'll have to live with that decision.' Advertisement The controversy has added an extra layer of tension heading into today's rematch in Rome. Kostyuk, who has grown increasingly confident on clay, will be looking to settle the score — not just in points, but in principle. With both players aware of the statements and the narrative that they each created, fans can certainly expect a fiercely contested encounter. As the clay season heats up, today's Ukraine vs Belarus clash offers more than just a spot in the next round — it's a battle for pride and, for Kostyuk, redemption. Related: Late Night Drama at Madrid Open as Marta Kostyuk Has Heated Argument in Loss to Aryna Sabalenka
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Aryna Sabalenka's classy reaction after Italian Open opponent refuses post match handshake
Sabalenka booked her place in the quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over Marta Kostyuk, who refused to shake hand after the match Aryna Sabalenka displayed commendable sportsmanship with a gracious act towards Marta Kostyuk, who declined to shake hands following their match at the Italian Open. Sabalenka clinched her spot in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought win over Kostyuk on Tuesday and is set to go up against the Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen, in the next round. Sabalenka sailed through the opening set but was pushed to a tiebreaker in the second before securing a 6-1, 7-6 victory. Kostyuk bypassed the conventional post-match handshake – a gesture that's become increasingly common when Ukrainian players face off against competitors from Russia or Belarus. Instead of causing a stir, Sabalenka respectfully acknowledged her opponent by applauding Kostyuk with her racket as she exited the court. The audience reciprocated with a warm ovation for Kostyuk, who raised her hand in gratitude for their support. Previously, Kostyuk had faced Daria Kasatkina at the same tournament and triumphed decisively over the Australian athlete, who has distanced herself from her Russian heritage earlier this year. Following that match, the athletes did exchange a handshake, with Kostyuk expressing admiration for Kasatkina's decision to alter her national affiliation. "Of course, everyone has the right to make their own choices," Kostyuk remarked. "But I believe Daria is an example of how, even in difficult circumstances, you can remain human. "That kind of thing deserves to be acknowledged. I received a lot of heartfelt, supportive messages. It was an important day for me personally and for our entire team." Sabalenka had previously encountered Kostyk in the first round of the French Open in 2023, where their lack of post-match handshake drew jeers from the crowd. Sabalenka had expressed beforehand that she did not anticipate any pleasantries after the match. "If she hates me, okay, I can't do anything about that," she remarked. "There are going to be people who love me, there are going to be people who hate me. If she hates me, I don't feel anything like that to her. "If I could, I would stop the war, and about the no shaking, I can kind of understand them [players from Ukraine]. I imagine if they're going to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians, they're going to get so many messages from their home countries. "So I kind of understand why they are not doing it. At the same time, I feel like sports shouldn't be in politics, like, we're just athletes. If they feel good with no shaking hands, I'm happy with that."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fans Go Wild on Social Media as Aryna Sabalenka and Marta Kostyuk Put On Late Night Show at Italian Open
Tennis fans were treated to an absolute thriller at the Italian Open as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk delivered a dazzling display of power, grit, and shot-making brilliance. While Sabalenka ultimately triumphed 6-1, 7-6(8), the match- especially the second set, set social media ablaze, with many fans calling it one of the best sets of tennis played all week in Rome. Sabalenka began the match in trademark fashion- aggressive, fearless, and almost unplayable. The Belarusian stormed through the opening set 6-1, leaving Kostyuk scrambling for solutions. But just when it looked like it would be a straightforward win, the match turned into a riveting contest. Advertisement Kostyuk, known for her athleticism and fearless baseline play, roared back in the second set with renewed intensity. She matched Sabalenka shot for shot, pushed her out of rhythm, and even earned a set point, all while the fans on Court Centrale were on the edge of their seats. The second-set tiebreaker turned into a drama-filled battle of nerves. Both players had their chances, but Sabalenka, drawing on her champion's resolve, finally edged past Kostyuk 10-8 in a tense finish. As soon as the match ended, tennis Twitter erupted with praise for both players — and especially for the breathtaking quality of the second set. While Sabalenka's experience and mental edge saw her through, Kostyuk's performance didn't go unnoticed. Her fightback and composure under pressure showed that she's more than capable of challenging the very best on the biggest stages. Sabalenka sounded relieved after her match and said jokingly that she will have more pasta and pizza to celebrate today's victory. If the tennis world is lucky, this could be the beginning of an exciting rivalry for the years to come.
![2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Sabalenka [1st] vs. Kostyuk [27th] Prediction, Odds and Match Preview](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gannett-cdn.com%2Fauthoring%2Fimages%2FDataSkriveSportsbookWire%2F2025%2F04%2F16%2FSSBK%2F83116869007-14991234.jpeg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26crop%3D1199%2C676%2Cx0%2Cy73%26format%3Dpjpg%26width%3D1200&w=3840&q=100)
![2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Sabalenka [1st] vs. Kostyuk [27th] Prediction, Odds and Match Preview](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fusatoday.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Sabalenka [1st] vs. Kostyuk [27th] Prediction, Odds and Match Preview
2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Sabalenka [1st] vs. Kostyuk [27th] Prediction, Odds and Match Preview On Monday, Marta Kostyuk (No. 27 in the world) faces Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1) in the Round of 16 at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. Sabalenka is the favorite against Kostyuk for this match, with -350 odds against the underdog's +260 in the Round of 16. Tennis odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 6:35 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk matchup info Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia Internazionali BNL d'Italia Round: Round of 16 Round of 16 Date: Monday, May 12 Monday, May 12 Court Surface: Clay Watch the Tennis Channel and more sports on Fubo! Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk Prediction Based on the implied probility from the moneyline, Sabalenka has a 77.8% to win. Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk Betting Odds Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk matchup performance & stats
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to Watch Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Live Stream, TV Channel
How to Watch Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia: Live Stream, TV Channel Marta Kostyuk (No. 27) will meet Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1) in the Round of 16 at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Monday, May 12. Sabalenka heads into the Round of 16 after winning in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, over Sofia Kenin on Sunday in the Round of 32. Kostyuk is coming off a two-set win in her most recent match on Sunday in the Round of 32 over Leylah Annie Fernandez (6-4, 6-2). Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo! Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk: live stream info & TV channel Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia Internazionali BNL d'Italia Round: Round of 16 Round of 16 Date: Monday, May 12 Monday, May 12 Live Stream: Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo Court Surface: Clay Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marta Kostyuk matchup stats Sabalenka has gone 9-1 and has won one title on clay this year. Sabalenka is 69-for-93 in service games on clay surfaces (winning 74.2%) and 40-for-93 in return games (43%). On clay courts, Sabalenka is 11th in break point win percentage (51.4%) after going 37-for-72. In her last tournament, the Mutua Madrid Open, Sabalenka advanced all the way to the final and then beat No. 4-ranked Coco Gauff, 6-3, 7-6 on May 3. Kostyuk is 3-1 in one tournament on clay this year. Kostyuk has won 68.8% of her service games on clay, and 44.7% of her return games. Kostyuk has converted 21 of 55 break points on clay (38.2%), and is 51st in break points won. Kostyuk was eliminated in the quarterfinal of her most recent tournament (the Mutua Madrid Open) on April 30, when she went down 6-7, 6-7 to Sabalenka. Tennis odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Sunday at 3:56 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
