"Some days, your body hurts but you have to persevere," Kostyuk's message before Roland-Garros

Seeded number 26 at Roland-Garros, Marta Kostyuk will open her Roland-Garros tournament against the Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek (19 years old and ranked 193rd in the world). Before playing her first round this Sunday on the Parisian clay, the Ukrainian posted a message on her Instagram account in which she talks about all the sacrifices necessary for a high-level athlete.

"What is it like to be a professional athlete? Most people think they know. They see the matches, the photos, the cities. And sometimes it looks like a dream. And yes, it is. But there's much more to it. Being a professional athlete means a lot of things people don't see.

It means missing birthdays and holidays. Not being there for family dinners or special days. It means constantly packing your bags, flying, checking in, and always training. Always preparing. Even when you're tired.

Some weeks, you wake up and forget which city you're in. Some days, your body hurts, but you have to persevere. And sometimes, you smile in a photo while you're completely exhausted. It also means facing pressure. Not only from others, but also the pressure you put on yourself.

It means finding a balance between confidence and doubt, ambition and rest. I love this life. I chose it. I'm proud of the way I continue to show up. Not just when things seem easy, but especially when they aren't," wrote the Madrid tournament quarter-finalist in recent weeks on the social network.