On the red clay of Rouen, France, the first all-Ukrainian final in WTA history went the way of Marta Kostyuk.
The top seed edged past 19-year-old qualifier Veronika Podrez, 6-3, 6-4, to claim her first career clay-court title—and second overall—in 81 minutes on Sunday.
“For me, this match today was not just a match—it was a historic moment for Ukrainian tennis: the first time two Ukrainians have played in a final,” Kostyuk said. “I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat go into this sport to be able to be on this stage, so I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now. We have six Top 100 players.
“I hope that this match—me and Veronika—we will be able to inspire more kids to pick up a racquet for the first time and truly enjoy the emotions, passion and everything this sport brings.”
Kostyuk also had kind words for her opponent.
“Congrats on an incredible week. I know it’s just the beginning for you—stay healthy and keep going,” she told Podrez.
Kostyuk took control early, striking 16 winners against just six unforced errors in the opening set and reeling off the final three games after a sequence of breaks left the pair level at 3-all.
Podrez, however, found her footing in the second set. The 19-year-old broke for 2-1 with a sharply struck forehand return and began to apply pressure from the baseline.
Kostyuk responded immediately, breaking back for 3-2, but the momentum continued to swing. Podrez leveled at 3-all after a Kostyuk double fault in another tightly contested game.
At that stage, the second set had already lasted longer than the entire 31-minute opener.
Podrez, attempting to become the first player to win a title on her WTA main-draw debut since Maria Timofeeva in 2023, held for 4-3 with a delicate drop shot.
World No. 28 Kostyuk refused to yield, securing a crucial break for 5-4 before calmly serving out the match, sealing victory when Podrez sent a backhand wide.
Kostyuk finished with 34 winners to 23 unforced errors, converting six of nine break points. Podrez struck 20 winners but committed 33 unforced errors.
“It was a great week for me,” Podrez told the crowd in French. “Of course, I would have liked to win today, but there are many positives to take.”