Marta Kostyuk has openly admitted that winning Grand Slam tournaments and becoming world number one aren't her ultimate career goals. The 23-year-old Kyiv native sees her tennis journey through a broader lens, focusing on developing professional sports in Ukraine and inspiring others.
"Of course, I really want to win a Grand Slam, I want to become world number one. But when you win a Grand Slam and when you become the world's top player, your career doesn't end that very day, you continue playing," Kostyuk explained in a recent interview with NV.
Kostyuk emphasized that her ambitions extend far beyond personal achievements. She wants to leave a lasting legacy that transcends individual titles or rankings.
"My goal by the end of my career isn't to win a Grand Slam and become world number one. I'll name another goal: I want my career to help other people. I'm interested in making some global impact on sports in Ukraine and worldwide. Because I'm an athlete, and I know what it's like to become a professional athlete in our country, since I grew up here," she stated.
It's worth noting that the Ukrainian tennis star is currently experiencing a challenging period in her career. She's suffered six consecutive defeats in WTA tournaments, with her last victory dating back to May 11.
Can Kostyuk overcome this difficult stretch and return to winning form soon? Her focus on long-term impact suggests she possesses the perspective needed to weather temporary setbacks on her journey toward bigger goals.
