Kostyuk Claims First WTA Title, Tops Gracheva In Austin
by Staff | March 5th, 2023, 6:49 pm
  • 1 Comment

The title at the inaugural WTA event in Austin has gone to Marta Kostyuk of the Ukraine. The 20-year-old Kostyuk survived a break-filled match to top Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 7-5.

“Very surreal,” Kostyuk told the WTA. “I was just playing match by match, and I think this is how you win tournaments, I guess! It’s not so easy to talk right now, but obviously I’m extremely happy.

“I’m just happy to be healthy and happy to play tennis and see the crowd enjoy my game.”

Both players were appearing in their very first WTA title. And the nerves showed as the two combined for 13 breaks of serve (21 break points!) in the two sets played. But Kostyuk grabbed the break to win the first and then to take the second.

Gracheva missed a set point in the second as Kostyuk won the last four games of the match from 5-3 down.

Kostyuk has now won two of three tour-level meetings when facing Gracheva.


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One Comment for Kostyuk Claims First WTA Title, Tops Gracheva In Austin

Elizabeth Says:

20-year-old Marta Kostyuk looked great in her red tennis dress as she battled past Vavara Gracheva in Austin, Texas. It was not clear who would win because they took turns being broken and breaking back. 22-year-old Gracheva blew many chances to take the lead, and so did Kostyuk.

They both looked nervous, and I was nervous watching them! I have followed Kostyuk since she was 15 and made a deep run at AO. Considering what is happening in her country, I am amazed at Mata’s ability to be resilient and push on.

Congrats on your first WTA title, Marta Kostyuk!


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