Marta Kostyuk and Henry Patten are triumphant on the Madrid clay
Locker Room
May 2, 2026
Marta Kostyuk won the biggest match of her life in Madrid – a contest that left both players in tears.
For the Ukrainian, there was both relief and disbelief as she landed her first WTA 1000 title.
She knew what the victory against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva would mean to her compatriots back home.
‘I never, ever thought I’d be able to lift the title here. Thank you to the crowd! It wouldn’t be possible without you. Glory to God, glory to Ukraine!’
Marta Kostyuk will be one to watch at Wimbledon 2026. Ukrainian players always receive a warm welcome at the All England Club.
Teenager Andreeva had won two titles at this level before – and may have expected another. But she had no long-term answer Kostyuk’s extraordinary flexibility.
The winner’s back-flip celebration hinted at her gymnastic past – and we had already witnessed her elastic defensive powers. Such qualities helped her stay in the match and absorb Mirra’s ferocious comeback.
Kostyuk saved set points in the second – one neutralised by a courageous ace. And Marta soon earned match points with an astonishing cross-court winner, even as she rolled her ankle and fell.
Moments later she reacquainted herself with the Spanish clay, this time in a far more joyous collapse at the moment of victory.
Marta, 23, explained: ‘It took me many years to reach this point. One word I think about right now is “consistency.”
‘It’s about showing up every day, no matter what. I’m proud of myself and my team.
‘Thank you guys so much for being there for me. You know how many times I wanted to give up. You kept me going and that’s why I’m here today.’
Marta Kostyuk is a rising star – and this could be her time to go deep at Wimbledon 2026.
A good performance at Roland Garros and Wimbledon could even see Kostyuk dreaming of a maiden appearance at the year-end finals.
Meanwhile England’s Henry Patten is also having an amazing year. He and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara came from 5-7 down in the deciding breaker to triumph 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 over Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard.
For Patten, their fourth title of the year meant a double celebration day. ‘Have you heard of Ipswich Town?’ the avid supporter asked the Madrid crowd. ‘They just got promoted to the Premier League.’
Amusingly, Henry declined to say which sporting victory meant more to him on Saturday – his own or his football team’s.
Marta Kostyuk and Henry Patten are both engaging characters. They will command plenty of attention at Wimbledon 2026.
Will you be there to see your own favourites?
Just click here to view our prices for the biggest tennis action of the year.
These tickets will give you exclusive access to the very best restaurants too! Give us a call if you have any queries.
Come and enjoy the party!