Kostyuk Stuns Andreeva with Back-to-Back Top 10 Victories in Brisbane Semifinals!
Marta Kostyuk has burst onto the 2026 tennis scene with remarkable speed and determination. The No. 16 seed achieved her second consecutive victory over a Top 10 player at the Brisbane International, narrowly defeating No. 6 seed Mirra Andreeva with a score of 7-6(7), 6-3 in just under two hours. This impressive win not only propels her into the semifinals but also highlights her incredible form.
For detailed scores, draws, and the order of play for the Brisbane tournament, you can check out the official links provided.
Kostyuk’s strong start to the season can be attributed to rigorous pre-season training, which has instilled a sense of confidence in her physical and mental game. For the first time, she set a clear objective for herself—to finish the year ranked within the Top 10. This week marks a significant milestone for her, as it is her first semifinal appearance since her run to the Stuttgart final in 2024, where she also triumphed over multiple Top 10 players during the same tournament.
With an assertive mindset and enhanced playing power, Kostyuk is focusing on her aspirations to break into the elite ranks of tennis.
In a previous article, Kostyuk had expressed caution about expecting immediate results from her extensive training over the past two years. "It’s not like everyone is going to see my strength or my power in the first week of the year," she remarked. However, she has surprised herself by delivering exceptional performances right from the start. During her third-round match against Amanda Anisimova, Kostyuk maintained her aggressive playing style, staying focused through the ups and downs of the match. She showcased her skill by hitting back-to-back winners during a tense tiebreak and fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the second set with precision volleys. Her decisive return that clinched the match point against Andreeva was a testament to her determination.
Defensively, Kostyuk excelled as well. She secured the first break of the match at 5-3 in the opening set with an outstanding angled forehand shot that thrilled the Brisbane audience. Overall, she delivered an impressive 34 winners compared to Andreeva's 10.
"I didn’t anticipate that my improvements would be visible so quickly, especially in the first week of the year," she expressed in her post-match interview.
Unlike her familiar rival Anisimova, who she had faced previously, Andreeva posed a new challenge for Kostyuk. Playing against someone she had never met on the court before required her to adapt without prior experience.
"When you face powerful hitters like Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, or Amanda, the balls seem to come at you slower. Mirra hits very deep shots, making this match physically demanding," Kostyuk explained. "Her serve is impressive, and she alters the pace effectively, which made it tough to adjust. Since I hadn’t practiced with her nor played against her before, it was challenging to enter the match without knowing what to expect. I felt it was essential to start off aggressively and energetically and find a way to succeed."
Looking ahead, Kostyuk will face a familiar opponent in the next round, though the head-to-head record does not favor her. Jessica Pegula, the No. 4 seed, battled back from being down 3-0 in the first set and 2-0 in the second to defeat No. 10 seed Liudmila Samsonova with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3)—a notable achievement as it marks just her third straight-sets victory in her last 16 matches. Pegula currently leads their rivalry with Kostyuk 4-1, having won their encounters in Miami and Beijing last year. Kostyuk’s sole victory against Pegula came during the semifinals in San Diego in 2024.
Ahead of the match between Kostyuk and Andreeva, Pegula expressed her admiration for the rising stars of women's tennis. "I enjoy keeping an eye on the younger players," the 31-year-old stated. "I remember when Mirra was just starting to make her mark; I saw her potential as a fantastic athlete. The same goes for Marta, who broke onto the tour at such a young age and has now established herself as a top player. There are many talented young women out there. While I try not to focus too much on the age gap, it’s exciting to watch them compete.
"I have no doubt they will forge successful careers, but for now, I’ll do my best to compete against them."
With Kostyuk’s upward trajectory in the tournament and her ambitious goals for the season, the tennis community is eager to see how her journey unfolds. What do you think about her chances of breaking into the Top 10 this year? Will she be able to maintain her momentum against seasoned players? Share your thoughts in the comments!
