"Helping those in need came to us as a natural reflex," Kostyuk says about her foundation

World No. 26, Marta Kostyuk has experienced ups and downs this season. The Ukrainian, who represented her country in the BJK Cup Finals in Shenzhen in September, discussed her foundation to help those in need in Ukraine as well as her pride in playing for her country.

"When the war in Ukraine broke out, helping those in need came to us as a natural reflex. We had many reasons to do it, whether it was for children or simply for people who have suffered from the war.

I was thinking about how I could help and we created the (Marta Kostyuk Foundation) in 2023, focusing on children affected by the war.

But over time, I realized that I could have a much greater impact and make a bigger difference by focusing on tennis and popularizing this sport and physical activity in Ukraine. With the team, we defined our mission, our goal, and our vision, and everything is going very well. I think we are going to make the difference we want to make.

It has always been very important for me to represent my country, because honestly, we have been at war since 2014, and not just since 2022. It is not an easy time, there are many losses and a lot of suffering. I try to get through it because I think there is no other way.

My career is not eternal, I don't have the possibility to take long breaks when I want, I have to keep going and that is what I have done all these years. Of course, representing Ukraine, winning for Ukraine, being able to raise the flag and show the whole world what Ukraine is, what kind of people live in Ukraine, what we stand for, all of that is very meaningful and very rewarding," Kostyuk assured the media outlet Clay.