Marta Kostyuk Critiques Top Female Tennis Players
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has raised eyebrows with her recent comments about elite female tennis players, suggesting that “some of them have high testosterone levels.”
During an interview at the Wuhan Open, when asked about feeling intimidated by top-ranked players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, who are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, Kostyuk shared her thoughts on her “biological makeup.” She described the challenges she faces in competing against them.
“We all have our own biological structure. Some have higher testosterone levels; others have lower. It’s natural and it definitely helps,” the 23-year-old noted. “I feel smaller than they are. I’m trying to see if I can win using my tennis skills, but I find I have to work harder for points. I have to run more than they do to score,” she elaborated.
Kostyuk, currently ranked 27th, discussed the differences she perceives between herself and the two athletes. “When I played against Iga, I felt completely unprepared. That was over a year ago, and she was really strong. Against Aryna, I know I’m in for a tough fight. I have skills, but honestly, they’re all much bigger, taller, and stronger than I am,” she explained.
Both Kostyuk and Swiatek share a height of 5 feet 9 inches, while Swiatek’s competitor Sabalenka stands at 5 feet 11 inches. This height difference can, perhaps, play a role in their performance on the court.
Sabalenka has faced Kostyuk twice in 2023, with Sabalenka losing in both matches: once in the round of 16 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and again in the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open.
Beyond physical attributes, Kostyuk touched on the mental aspect of the sport and how her competitors manage their confidence. “Their level of confidence is just different,” she observed. While she recounted close matches, she noted how Sabalenka maintains a cool demeanor in high-pressure situations—an attribute that comes with experience at the top level. “She hits big serves and forehands without a hint of doubt. For me, it’s not so simple to play without hesitation,” she acknowledged.
After her comments generated buzz online, some speculated that Sabalenka responded in a light-hearted way, sharing bikini photos shortly after the interview. Just a couple of months after winning the US Open, Sabalenka posted snapshots on Instagram, showcasing a fun day with fellow tennis player Paula Badosa at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal Dubai Resort. “So much needed a girl’s day with my best friend,” she wrote in the caption.
