Kostyuk's 10-match streak carries her to Madrid WTA 1000 semi-final
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Marta Kostyuk advanced to the semi-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Wednesday, 30 April, defeating Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 6-0 to extend her career-best winning run to 10 consecutive victories. The 23-year-old Ukrainian will face lucky loser Anastasia Potapova for a place in her maiden WTA 1000 final.
Dominant display in the decider
After a first set marked by eight combined service breaks, Kostyuk seized control in the tiebreak and dismantled Noskova in the second frame without losing serve. The Czech 13th seed was broken seven times across the match from 23 break point opportunities created by Kostyuk. Critically, Kostyuk faced zero break points in the second set, surrendering just one point on her own serve throughout the frame.
Undefeated on clay this season
The victory marks Kostyuk's 10th straight win, building on a title triumph in Rouen and a Billie Jean King Cup win earlier this month. She remains undefeated on clay courts in 2024, having also eliminated fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the round of 32 without dropping a set this fortnight at Caja Magica.
A breakthrough Madrid campaign
Kostyuk made her Madrid tournament debut in 2018, winning just one match across her first five main draw appearances. Last year, she finally broke through to reach the quarter-finals. This year's semi-final berth represents her second career appearance in a WTA 1000 semi-final and her first in the Spanish capital — a marked acceleration from her earlier struggles at the venue.
Head-to-head advantage
Kostyuk holds a 2-2 record against Potapova at tour level but has won their last two meetings in straight sets, including their most recent encounter in Madrid last year. The other semi-final will feature Mirra Andreeva against Hailey Baptiste.
Defying expectations
Speaking after her victory, Kostyuk acknowledged the improbability of her current form. "It sounds unbelievable. If someone told me a few weeks ago that it would happen, I probably wouldn't believe it, but I'm very thankful for it," she said, referencing her undefeated clay-court streak and the momentum carrying her toward a potential final appearance.