Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk has caught the attention of many as she prepares to make her Fed Cup debut this weekend.
The 15-year-old made headlines earlier this year when she reached the third round of the Australian Open as a qualifier. In her grand slam debut, Kostyuk defeated Shuai Peng and Olivia Rogowska. Becoming the youngest player to reach the last 32 of a major in over 20 years.
Since Melbourne, Kostyuk has managed to continue her winning momentum. Last week she won an ITF $60,000 tournament in Burnie. Her biggest title to date on the professional tour.
Currently ranked 185th in the world, Kostyuk will be the highest ranked player in her country’s Fed Cup team when they take on Australia this weekend. Ukrainian captain Mikhail Filma has compared the rise of the youngster to that of Martina Hingis, who became world No.1 at the age of 16 back in 1997.
“Marta’s results in Australia have been unbelievable, last year she won the Australian open juniors and this year made the third round and won a tournament [in Tasmania] last week,” Filima told reporters in Australia.
“She reminds me of Martina Hingis but the tennis is different to 10 years ago, a lot of players can play until they’re 35 or 37, but I think she can go very high [in the rankings] and has a very bright future.
“Marta is a young player but she’s played some very good tennis, especially on the grass court, and I think she will have some surprises for the Australian team.”
Alicia Molik, who is the head of the Australian Women’s team, is another to praise Kostyuk. Looking ahead to the upcoming Fed Cup tie, she admits that the teenager could ‘cause some trouble’ for Australia if she plays at her best. Despite the host nation having top 30 players Ash Barty and Daria Gavrilova representing them.
“If she plays really well she could create a bit of difficulty for us, but that’s the beauty of Fed Cup, so many players bring their best tennis because they rise to the occasion to represent their country.” Said Molik.
“Players are so good at lifting themselves into extra gears and I have no doubt she may be able to do that, but I haven’t seen her under the pressure of playing for her nation yet, so time will tell.”
Kostyuk is currently the youngest player ranked inside the top 300 on the WTA Tour.
The Fed Cup tie between Ukraine and Australia will take place at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
