BEIJING — In a moment of on-court spontaneity that captivated the China Open crowd, Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk secured a straightforward 6-2, 6-2 victory over Russian qualifier Valeria Savinykh on Monday. However, the routine scoreline belied an unusual mid-match interruption, where the 21-year-old star made a personal and public request to the chair umpire: she wanted the stadium music changed.
The incident occurred during a changeover in the second set at the Diamond Court in Beijing's National Tennis Center. As is customary, upbeat music was playing over the stadium's sound system during the break. Kostyuk, seemingly distracted or displeased with the selection, engaged in a brief conversation with the chair umpire, which was picked up by on-court microphones and broadcast to the audience.
A Plea for a Different Vibe
Kostyuk’s request was polite but direct. She was heard asking the official, "Is it possible to change the song? This one is not really good for the mood." The unusual appeal drew a mix of laughter and applause from the spectators, who were clearly amused by the player's candidness. The umpire relayed the request, and tournament staff promptly complied, switching the track to a different, more energetic tune.
This small act of agency highlighted a rarely discussed aspect of professional tennis: the psychological battle that extends beyond rallies and serves. For players, the atmosphere of the court, including ambient noise and music, can be a significant factor in maintaining focus and rhythm. Kostyuk’s action was a clear effort to curate an environment that worked for her.
Context Beyond the Music
While the moment was lighthearted, it carried an undercurrent of the complex political realities that Ukrainian athletes like Kostyuk navigate. The match was yet another chapter in the recurring and emotionally charged narrative of Ukrainians competing against Russian and Belarusian players on tour since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Kostyuk has been one of the most vocal Ukrainian players regarding the war, consistently calling for the continued banning of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions. She has previously stated that she finds these matches incredibly difficult, not just as sporting contests but as personal ordeals.
In her post-match press conference, Kostyuk was asked if the music request was linked to the tension of playing a Russian opponent. She deflected, focusing instead on the immediate context of the match. "It was just a song I didn't like," she said with a smile. "Sometimes the music is great, sometimes it's not. Today, I just felt like I needed something different to keep my energy up. It's a small thing, but in a match, every small thing matters."
Despite her on-court nonchalance, the psychological weight on Ukrainian players is well-documented. Kostyuk's compatriot, Lesia Tsurenko, recently made headlines for withdrawing from a match against a Belarusian player at Indian Wells, citing a panic attack induced by the overwhelming stress of the situation.
The Psychology of Performance
Sports psychologists suggest that Kostyuk's request, while unique, is a valid form of self-regulation. Controlling controllable factors in a high-pressure environment is a key mental skill. By altering an external stimulus she found disruptive, Kostyuk was actively managing her own focus and emotional state.
This incident underscores several tactics elite athletes use to maintain peak performance:
- Environmental Control: Managing sensory inputs like sound and sight.
- Routine Adherence: Sticking to pre-point and between-point rituals for consistency.
- Self-Talk: Using positive internal dialogue to reinforce confidence.
- Emotional Regulation: Identifying and addressing mood disruptors in real-time.
Kostyuk’s action falls squarely into the first and fourth categories. Her willingness to speak up demonstrated a level of mental maturity, showing she was tuned into her own needs and confident enough to voice them, even in the middle of a professional match watched by thousands.
Fan and Pundit Reaction
The moment quickly became a talking point on social media and among tennis commentators. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Kostyuk's authenticity and assertiveness. Former British number one Annabel Croft, commentating for the Tennis Channel, noted, "It's so refreshing to see a player be so human on court. She knew what she needed to perform, and she asked for it. Good for her."
Fans on platform X (formerly Twitter) echoed this sentiment, with one user posting, "Marta Kostyuk asking to change the song is the most relatable thing a tennis player has ever done. We've all been there with a bad playlist." The incident provided a moment of levity and relatability, breaking the often-scripted facade of professional sports.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
The unconventional break in play did nothing to disrupt Kostyuk's rhythm. She broke Savinykh's serve immediately after the changeover and closed out the match with authority. The win sets up a second-round clash with either another Russian player, Veronika Kudermetova, or Italian Jasmine Paolini.
Should she face Kudermetova, the political and emotional subtext will undoubtedly resurface. Kostyuk has been clear about her stance, and every match against a Russian opponent is played under a microscope. Her ability to manage these external pressures, whether through a simple music request or deeper mental fortitude, will be crucial to her success in Beijing and beyond.
A Lasting Impression
While the scoreboard will record a routine 6-2, 6-2 victory, the story of Marta Kostyuk's first-round match at the 2024 China Open will be remembered for a different reason. In an era where athletes are often meticulously managed, her spontaneous request was a genuine, unscripted moment that revealed the very human desire for control and comfort, even at the highest level of sport.
It served as a powerful reminder that behind the powerful groundstrokes and fierce competitive spirit, these athletes are individuals navigating a complex web of pressures. For one brief changeover, Marta Kostyuk reminded everyone that sometimes, the key to winning isn't just about how you play the points, but also about the soundtrack you choose to play them to.