Key Highlights
- Kostyuk had an intentional offseason focusing on precision strength to increase power.
- The 23-year-old aims to reach the Top 10 in the WTA rankings for the first time.
- Kostyuk will start her season at the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane, Australia.
- She feels physically fit and excited about the upcoming season.
The Road to Top Form: Kostyuk’s Offseason Focus
Marta Kostyuk had a jam-packed 2025 season that saw her playing in 22 tournaments, including Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and the BJK Cup Finals. To recharge for the new year, she took an extended break, which included time in the Maldives, a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, and returning to Ukraine before heading to Dubai. This deliberate downtime allowed Kostyuk to prepare mentally and physically for what lies ahead.
Working with her fitness coach, Jolanta Rusin, over three years, Kostyuk honed her precision strength through a series of intense workouts that incorporated speed, endurance, and strength exercises.
The goal was to develop explosive movements without relying on heavy weightlifting. “I needed two years for my body to handle this type of work,” Kostyuk explained. This offseason training has made a noticeable difference in her performance.
Setting Goals: Top 10 Aspirations
For the first time, Kostyuk is setting a specific goal—reaching the Top 10 in the WTA rankings. “I want to finish the year in the Top 10,” she said. This concrete benchmark contrasts with her previous approach of focusing on personal development and game improvement rather than ranking. However, she acknowledges that having such a target can provide direction and motivation.
While Kostyuk places great importance on being a quality human being and role model, the focus on rankings does not overshadow her broader goals. “It’s something I keep in my head,” she added. “But it still feels like a direction that I want to go.” This year, Kostyuk aims to improve upon her career-high No. 16 ranking from last year.
Australia: A Familiar and Favorable Venue
Kostyuk has fond memories of Australia, where she achieved significant milestones in her tennis journey. At age 14, she won the girls’ singles title at Melbourne, her first Grand Slam experience. In 2024, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, marking her best result at a major event.
Despite being thousands of miles away from home, Kostyuk feels a strong connection to Australia.
She has formed a bond with a Ukrainian family who she sees annually during the season’s first Slam. This sense of familiarity and support is particularly important as she prepares for her Brisbane debut against Yulia Putintseva.
Kostyuk is excited about starting her 2026 season in this familiar environment, feeling both physically fit and mentally prepared to tackle the upcoming challenges. “I feel great,” she said. “Happy. Rested. And I start from my favorite place, Australia.”