Marta Kostyuk Reveals She Cried at “2 AM” for “30 Minutes” After Severe Backlash to On-Court Speech
The start of the 2026 season seemed to be a promising one for Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk. She had reached the final of the Brisbane International and was ranked as the world number 20. However, her journey took an unexpected emotional turn when she faced severe backlash for her on-court speech after the final.
Kostyuk arrived in Melbourne with high hopes and confidence, riding on the momentum of her strong start to the year. She had put up a great performance in the Brisbane final, but it was her post-match speech that caused a stir in the tennis world. The 18-year-old player had expressed her disappointment at losing the final and had also mentioned her struggles with injuries and mental health.
Unfortunately, her words were met with criticism and backlash from some fans and media outlets. Kostyuk was taken aback by the negative response and revealed that she cried for 30 minutes at 2 AM after the final. In an interview, she said, “I was really upset because I didn’t expect that kind of reaction. I was just being honest and expressing my emotions, but it seemed like it was not well received.”
It is disheartening to see a young player like Kostyuk face such harsh criticism for being honest and vulnerable. In a sport where mental health is often overlooked, it takes courage to speak up about one’s struggles. Kostyuk’s speech was a reminder that athletes are human too, and they go through their own battles off the court.
But instead of receiving support and understanding, Kostyuk faced backlash and was even accused of making excuses for her loss. This kind of reaction only adds to the stigma surrounding mental health in sports. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for athletes to open up about their struggles without fear of judgment.
Kostyuk’s emotional response to the backlash highlights the need for more awareness and education about mental health in the sports world. Athletes face immense pressure and expectations, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address their mental well-being. It is not a sign of weakness to speak up about mental health; in fact, it takes strength and courage to do so.
Thankfully, Kostyuk received support from her fellow players and fans who understood her message and stood by her. She also received a heartfelt apology from the tournament director of the Brisbane International, who acknowledged the importance of mental health and the need to support players.
Kostyuk’s experience serves as a reminder that words have power, and we must use them wisely. Instead of criticizing and judging, we should strive to be more empathetic and understanding towards others. As fans, we should support and uplift our favorite players, not tear them down.
Despite the unexpected emotional turn in her season, Kostyuk has shown resilience and determination to move forward. She has continued to compete in the Australian Open and has reached the third round, defeating higher-ranked opponents along the way. Her performance on the court is a testament to her strength and mental fortitude.
In a recent interview, Kostyuk said, “I’ve learned to not pay attention to the negativity and focus on my game. I’m here to play tennis, and that’s what I’m going to do.” Her positive attitude and determination to overcome the backlash are truly inspiring.
As fans, let us show our support and appreciation for Marta Kostyuk and all athletes who have the courage to speak up about their struggles. Let us create a more understanding and compassionate environment in the sports world. And most importantly, let us remember that behind every athlete is a human being with their own challenges and emotions.