Marta Kostyuk Enters Grass Court Season with Focus on Key Tournaments

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has begun her grass court season, targeting upcoming tournaments as part of her strategy to boost her rankings. The 25-year-old, currently ranked 47th in the WTA singles, has been training extensively on grass surfaces ahead of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, according to a statement from her team. Kostyuk, who won the 2023 US Open doubles title with Elena Rybakina, is aiming to expand her success to the grass court circuit, where she has a career-high singles ranking of 32nd.

Her focus on grass courts comes after a strong performance on hard courts during the 2024 season, where she reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open and the semifinals of the Rome Masters. “Grass is a surface where I feel comfortable, but I need to refine my game to compete at the highest level,” Kostyuk said in a recent interview with WTA Tennis. “The key is consistency, especially against the top players.”

What Tournaments is Kostyuk Targeting?

Kostyuk’s grass court schedule includes the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club in London, the Nottingham Open, and the Wimbledon Championships, which run from July 1 to July 14. The Nottingham Open, a WTA 250 event, is particularly significant as it serves as a key preparation tournament for Wimbledon. Kostyuk is expected to compete in the event, which begins on June 24, according to the ITF tournament calendar.

The Aegon Championships, a men’s ATP 500 event, will feature some of the top grass court players, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. While Kostyuk is not scheduled to play in the men’s event, her participation in the women’s draw highlights her commitment to the surface. “The Queen’s Club tournament is a great test for our grass court readiness,” said Kostyuk’s coach, Tennis Magazine reported. “It’s an opportunity to face high-level competition and fine-tune our strategies.”

How Has Her Performance Been Lately?

Kostyuk’s 2024 season has been marked by steady progress, with her singles record standing at 18-10 through May. She secured her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the Madrid Open, where she defeated sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur in straight sets. However, her grass court results have been mixed. In 2023, she reached the second round of Wimbledon but lost to eventual champion Elena Rybakina. “I need to improve my serve and net play on grass,” Kostyuk acknowledged in a TennisWire interview. “Grass is more unpredictable, and you have to adapt quickly.”

The Ukrainian player’s doubles success, including her US Open title with Rybakina, has provided her with confidence on fast surfaces. “Doubles teaches you how to read the game and move efficiently, which translates to singles,” Kostyuk said. “It’s a different mindset, but it helps me stay sharp.”

What Challenges Does She Face?

One of Kostyuk’s primary challenges on grass is the physical demands of the surface. Grass courts are known for their low bounce and faster pace, requiring players to adjust their footwork and shot selection. “You have to be aggressive, but you also need to be precise,” said Kostyuk’s physical trainer, SportScience Today reported