TENNIS: Ukrainian pride on the line as Kostyuk faces Andreeva

PARIS — Ukrainian pride will once again be on the line when Marta Kostyuk faces Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the women’s singles semifinals at French Open on Thursday, with a wide-open draw heading into the closing stages in Paris.

With world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka eliminated in the quarterfinals, Andreeva, the eighth seed, is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the tournament. The result has opened the door for a new Grand Slam champion to emerge on the Paris clay.

The other semifinal will feature an all-unseeded storyline as Russia’s Diana Shnaider takes on Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, adding further unpredictability to the final stages of the competition.

The Kostyuk-Andreeva matchup carries added attention due to the ongoing political backdrop stemming from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As in previous meetings between Ukrainian and Russian or Belarusian players on the WTA Tour, no handshake is expected at the net before or after the match.

Kostyuk has been among the most vocal Ukrainian athletes on the issue, while Andreeva has largely avoided public comment on the war. Kostyuk has previously said she tries to separate politics from competition, even as she has criticized the lack of clear positions from some Russian athletes.

Despite the off-court tensions, Kostyuk has had the upper hand in their recent meetings, winning both encounters this season in straight sets, including a match on clay.

On the other side of the draw, Shnaider and Chwalinska arrive in strong form after breakthrough runs in Paris. Chwalinska, who has won eight consecutive matches including qualifying rounds, said she has leaned on adrenaline and momentum to manage fatigue during her unexpected run to the semifinals.

Shnaider, meanwhile, produced one of the tournament’s standout results by rallying to defeat Sabalenka, showcasing resilience and strong shot-making on the big stage. She has described Chwalinska as a tricky opponent, noting her variety, drop shots, and left-handed playing style as key challenges.

Both players have previously met in a semifinal at a lower-tier event several years ago, a match Shnaider won in straight sets. However, both enter this contest acknowledging the stakes are far higher this time, with a Grand Slam final spot on the line.

The women’s semifinals at Roland Garros promise contrasting narratives: a politically charged rematch between Kostyuk and Andreeva, and an underdog battle between two breakthrough performers seeking to extend their dream runs in Paris. -Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters