Despite being the youngest players in the women’s draw at the Australian Open, teenage sensation Marta Kostyuk has already illustrated that she is ready to take on the best in the world.
It is hard to tell that she is only playing in her ninth professional tournament (outside of junior competition). Two days after her milestone win over Peng Shuai in melbourne, she created more history in the second round. Taking on Australia’s Olivia Rogowska, the 15-year-old hit 22 winners to secure a straight sets triumph. Becoming the youngest player to reach the third round of a grand slam since Marija Lucic-Baroni back in 1997.
“It’s actually first win when I feel like something is going on, something different. Because actually — if I lost today, it would be my fourth Grand Slam second-round loss. Because I lost three second rounds in juniors.” She said after the match.
“This is probably first slam when I will not be upset that I lost second round. So it feels a little bit different than other wins.”
Kostyuk doesn’t come across as an ordinary teenager. Throughout the week she has been engaging in press conferences and appeared not to be too intimidated by the situation. Joking and smiling all the way though. She has even stated that she likes to play in front of a big crowd.
The Ukrainian now believes she is ready to take the next step in her career. When asked on Wednesday if ‘she was done’ playing juniors, her expression said it all. A smile combined with a fist pump. Kostyuk is set to climb into the top 250 in the world. A incredible rise for a player who is currently ranked 521st.
Regardless of the promising run, the current Australian Open girls champion will not be full-time open the professional tour for a while. Under WTA rules, young players are only allowed to participate in 12 tournaments per year to safeguard them. A regulation introduced back in 1994 that is known as the ‘capriati rule.’
“Last year I was playing a lot of juniors, I wanted to finish this part.” She explained.
“My first tournament from Brisbane was two weeks ago, so I still have, after this tournament, 10 tournaments (to play), which is okay.”
Svitolina next
An all-Ukrainian clash awaits Kostyuk in the third round when she takes on fourth seed Elina Svitolina. The first player from her country to crack the top three in the world rankings. Some young players might be intimidated to play against a top 10 opponent, however, a relaxed Kostyuk is taking it all in her stride.
“I will just enjoy it. I think I’m going to play on big court again, but I will just try to show my best tennis, because I’m pretty sure, like, all my opponents, she will struggle a little bit, and I will try to use this.” She said about playing Svitolina.
“That’s what I’m going to do. I know a little bit how Elina is playing, but I still didn’t go to the details.”
The laid back approach of the teenager is one that Svitolina is aware of. Following her second round win, the 23-year-old admits that she faces danger. Describing her younger compatriot as a ‘headless chicken’ on the court.
“I watch her first round (match) a little bit. She has nothing to lose, so that’s why I know she goes just for everything. Like a little bit like headless chicken.” She joked.
“I will try to prepare and be ready for her game. For me it’s very important for me to be there with my game and don’t really think who is in the other, who’s in the other side.”
Regardless of the outcome of Friday’s meeting in Melbourne, Kostyuk has shown that she is ready to play on the main stage of tennis. The only thing holding her back in her age.
