Wed Jan 07 07:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Kostyuk Aims for Top 10 After Intentional Offseason
The Story:
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk, currently ranked World No. 26, is setting her sights on breaking into the Top 10 after an intentional offseason focused on rest, recharge, and precision strength training. At 23 years old, Kostyuk is motivated by the desire to achieve a concrete benchmark for the first time in her career and build on her previous best ranking of No. 16. She began her season in Australia, a place where she enjoys both on-court success and the support of a local Ukrainian family.
Key Points:
- Marta Kostyuk, World No. 26, aims to reach the Top 10 in the WTA rankings.
- She had an “intentional” offseason, focusing on rest and “precision strength” training to increase power and prevent injuries.
- Kostyuk worked with fitness coach Jolanta Rusin for a third straight preseason, focusing on explosive movements.
- She views the Australian swing as a “happy place” where she has enjoyed breakthrough moments, including winning the girls’ singles title in Melbourne.
- Her first tournament of the season is in Brisbane, where she will face Yulia Putintseva after receiving a first-round bye.
- In 2024, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, her best result at a major.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Focus: Kostyuk is prioritizing targeted training methods and mental well-being to improve performance.
- Clear Goal Setting: For the first time, she has set a specific ranking goal, indicating a shift in her approach to professional tennis.
- Holistic Approach: Kostyuk and her team recognize the importance of personal development and being a positive role model, alongside athletic achievements.
First Piper 