PARIS - Ukrainian pride is on the line as Marta Kostyuk prepares to face Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the French Open semifinals Thursday. The match comes after world number one Aryna Sabalenka was upset in the quarterfinals.
Andreeva, the eighth seed, is now the highest-ranked player left. The other semifinal pits Andreeva's compatriot Diana Shnaider against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska.
This will be the third meeting between Kostyuk and Andreeva, and it unfolds against the backdrop of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. No handshake is expected. Kostyuk, 23, has been an outspoken critic of the war. Andreeva has declined to comment.
"I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people," Kostyuk said.
Kostyuk has won both previous meetings this year, all in straight sets.
In the other semifinal, Chwalinska is the first qualifier since 1968 to reach the final four here. She faces Shnaider, who rallied to defeat Sabalenka.
"Obviously I'm a bit tired, but that's normal," Chwalinska said. "It's a Grand Slam, so I feel like the adrenaline is very high."
Shnaider noted Chwalinska's tricky left-handed style. "I'm expecting a huge fight tomorrow," she said. "Both of us are going to be leaving it all out there."