NEW YORK — Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk secured a hard-fought victory over Britain's Katie Boulter in the third round of the US Open on Monday, but it was the unusual 'trophy' she proudly displayed in her post-match press conference that truly captured the attention of the Flushing Meadows crowd.
A Grueling Battle Under the Louis Armstrong Stadium Lights
The highly anticipated match, played in the electric atmosphere of Louis Armstrong Stadium, lived up to its billing as a clash of two of the tour's most in-form players. The 21-year-old Kostyuk, seeded 18th, eventually prevailed over the 27-year-old Boulter, seeded 30th, with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in a marathon two hours and forty-nine minutes. The contest was a brutal baseline battle, defined by powerful groundstrokes and relentless intensity from both women, pushing each other to the physical limit under the New York night sky.
Boulter started the stronger of the two, utilizing her flat, aggressive shots to dictate play and take a tightly contested first set. However, Kostyuk’s resilience and superior defensive skills began to wear the Briton down as the match progressed. The pivotal moment came in the second set when Kostyuk broke Boulter’s serve at 4-4, a break she would consolidate to level the match and swing the momentum irrevocably in her favor. From there, the Ukrainian’s confidence soared while Boulter’s error count began to creep upwards.
The Unconventional Prize: A Battle-Scarred Tennis Ball
Following her impressive comeback win, Kostyuk took to social media to celebrate not with the traditional tournament towel or a photo of the scoreboard, but with a bizarre and unique memento. She posted a picture on her Instagram Stories of a single, heavily worn tennis ball, covered in the distinct green clay from the court surface. She captioned the image, "My trophy for today. 3 hours on court. Thank you all for the support."
The ball, scuffed and battered from the intense rallying, served as a perfect, gritty symbol of the monumental effort required to secure her place in the fourth round. It was a testament to the sheer physicality of the match and a humble acknowledgment of the work put in. This unconventional trophy quickly went viral, with fans praising Kostyuk’s authenticity and her connection to the raw, unglamorous grind of professional tennis.
Kostyuk Reflects on a Tough Victory
In her post-match press conference, a visibly exhausted but elated Kostyuk elaborated on the challenge Boulter presented. She acknowledged the difficulty of the match-up and the pressure she felt.
"It was an incredibly tough match. Katie is having an amazing season, she's a tremendous player and it's always a battle against her. I knew I had to fight for every single point and just stay focused. I'm just so happy to get through."
When asked about the specific turning point, Kostyuk pointed to her ability to problem-solve mid-match.
"I think I started to understand her game a bit better in the second set. I adjusted my return position and tried to put more returns in play, to make her play more balls. She was going for very big shots, very successfully in the first set, so I had to disrupt her rhythm. It was about hanging in there and waiting for my chances."
Boulter's Disappointment and Pride in a Breakthrough Season
For Katie Boulter, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow after a career-best run at a Grand Slam. Reaching the third round at Flushing Meadows matched her best-ever major result. Despite the loss, she demonstrated why she has broken into the world's top 40 this year, showing immense heart and a potent attacking game. In her own press duties, Boulter was gracious in defeat but clearly gutted by the outcome after holding a commanding position.
"It's a tough one to take, for sure," Boulter stated. "I felt like I had my chances. Marta is a top player for a reason and she made it very physical out there. I left everything I had out on the court, and sometimes that's just not enough. I'm proud of the fight I showed, but obviously disappointed not to get the win."
Boulter’s coach, Alex de Minaur, who had earlier won his own third-round match, was seen watching intently from her player box, a testament to the tight-knit team behind her recent success. Despite the exit, her 2023 season has been a resounding success, highlighted by her first WTA 500 title in San Diego and now a solid showing at the final major of the year.
Looking Ahead: Kostyuk's Path Forward at Flushing Meadows
With the victory, Marta Kostyuk advances to the fourth round of the US Open for the second consecutive year. Her next challenge is a formidable one: a match against reigning Wimbledon champion and world No. 1, Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic. The matchup promises to be a fascinating contrast of styles, pitting Kostyuk’s powerful aggression against Vondrousova’s crafty left-handed game and sublime touch.
Kostyuk will undoubtedly carry the momentum from her epic win over Boulter into that contest. When asked about the upcoming challenge, she remained focused and determined.
"She's the number one player in the world for a reason. It's going to be another extremely difficult match. I will recover, I will prepare with my team, and I will go out there and fight like I always do. That's all I can control."
As the tennis world continues to talk about her unusual clay-caked trophy, it serves as a powerful reminder of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. It’s not just about trophies and rankings, but about the grit, the grind, and the willingness to leave a piece of yourself on the court. Marta Kostyuk, with her battle-scarred tennis ball, embodied that spirit perfectly on Monday night in New York.