Kostyuk launches his foundation to develop children's tennis in Ukraine

Marta Kostyuk is always there to defend the Ukraine, and never hesitates to speak out at press conferences about the conflict with Russia. She is very attached to her country, and shows it.

The 22-year-old, who is coming off her best season on the WTA circuit, announced on her social networks the launch of her foundation to help Ukrainian children develop their tennis skills.

"I know what tennis can do for a child. It improves their health and the development of their own potential.

It fosters friendships and can be the starting point for a career as a professional athlete. However, most schools lack basic tennis facilities.

It remains inaccessible to many, as it is considered an elite sport. Schools in Ukraine don't even have the necessary equipment to play.

I'm determined to change that. Tennis should be accessible to everyone and become a national sport," Kostyuk first wrote via her foundation's new Instagram account.

The quarter-finalist at the last Australian Open went on to outline her goals for the coming months: "We have a very clear plan and specific programs in place.

We have signed cooperation protocols with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

We will create multimedia content with videos and awareness campaigns to inspire young people to take up tennis.

We will develop programs in schools that will enable them to play with the right equipment.

Finally, we will enable young athletes to reach their full potential by offering them scholarships. We'll be sharing the first steps of the Marta Kostyuk Foundation very soon," she promises.