Ukrainian tennis players Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk both delivered commanding performances in their opening matches at the US Open on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Why it matters: The strong starts from Svitolina and Kostyuk highlight the rising talent from Ukraine in women's tennis, particularly as both players aim for Grand Slam success.
Elina Svitolina, seeded 9th, defeated Argentina's Solana Sierra 6-1, 6-2 in just 51 minutes, marking a dominant start to her campaign.
Marta Kostyuk, seeded 11th, cruised past Australian qualifier Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-1, in 67 minutes, continuing her impressive Grand Slam form.
Both players are looking to build on their recent successes, with Kostyuk having reached the semi-finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season.
Driving the news: The US Open marks a fresh opportunity for both players to showcase their skills on a global stage. Kostyuk's victory was particularly notable as she seeks her first Grand Slam title.
Kostyuk quickly established control against Hunter, racing to a 4-1 lead before overcoming a brief wobble to secure the first set.
In the second set, Kostyuk broke early and maintained her advantage, not allowing Hunter any chance to mount a comeback.
"I'm very happy to be back to this amazing place," Kostyuk said, expressing her satisfaction with her performance.
State of play: Both players are entering the tournament with confidence and strong recent performances, making them serious contenders in the women’s draw.
Svitolina's victory over Sierra came after a strong North American hard-court swing, where she has displayed an aggressive yet defensive style of play.
With 43 wins in the 2026 season, Svitolina is well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.
The ninth seed previously reached the US Open semi-finals in 2019, adding to her experience on this stage.
The big picture: The success of Svitolina and Kostyuk reflects the growing strength of Ukrainian tennis, particularly in women’s singles.
Both players have made headlines this year, with Kostyuk's performance at major tournaments elevating her status within the sport.
Svitolina's marriage to fellow tennis player Gael Monfils has also brought attention to her career, especially following their run to the mixed doubles semi-finals at the US Open.
"It was a great experience. Of course it was nerve-wracking kind of matches and battles," Svitolina said about her mixed doubles run.
What they're saying: Player reactions reveal a sense of excitement and determination as they navigate the tournament.
Svitolina expressed her enjoyment of the night match atmosphere, stating, "It was a pleasure playing at night; it brings the best out of me."
Kostyuk emphasized the importance of staying grounded, saying, "There's still a long way to go; I'm enjoying my tennis."
Both players are focused on their next matches, with Kostyuk set to face either 2017 champion Sloane Stephens or Clara Tauson.
By the numbers: Key statistics from the players' performances provide insight into their dominance.
Kostyuk's match lasted 67 minutes, during which she won 75% of her first serve points.
Svitolina's match concluded in just 51 minutes, with her winning 85% of her first serve points.
Both players are aiming to improve their Grand Slam records, with Svitolina having previously reached the semi-finals at the US Open in 2019.
What's next: The upcoming matches will be decisive for both players as they aim for advancement in the tournament.
Kostyuk will look to continue her momentum against either Sloane Stephens or Clara Tauson in the next round.
Svitolina is set to face off against fellow Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, adding an intriguing layer to her campaign.
As both players advance, their performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how far they can go.
On the horizon, the stakes are high as Svitolina and Kostyuk aim to solidify their positions as top competitors at this year's US Open, with the potential for deep runs in the tournament.