Marta Kostyuk: Husband, Career and Handshake Controversy

When a tennis player keeps her personal life off the court but her matches keep making headlines, curiosity about who she is between the lines only grows. Marta Kostyuk has climbed into the WTA’s top 15, sparked a handshake debate at Roland Garros, and quietly built a family—all while rarely offering a straight answer about her private world.

Career-high singles ranking: No. 12 (June 2026) ·
Age: 24 (as of 2026) ·
Instagram followers: 710K+ ·
Current coach: Sandra Zaniewska

Five key facts about Kostyuk, drawn from verified profiles:

Who is the husband of Marta Kostyuk?

Marta Kostyuk married George Kyzymenko in November 2023, according to The Knot (wedding registry and news site). Kyzymenko, a Ukrainian tennis coach and former player, proposed in April 2023 after the couple reconnected in 2022 — they originally met as children at a tennis club in Ukraine, per Pro Football Network (sports feature).

Is Marta Kostyuk currently married?

Yes. Multiple sources, including The Knot and EssentiallySports (sports reporting), confirm the marriage. The couple does not widely post about their relationship on social media, which explains why some older profiles still list Kostyuk as unmarried.

Is Marta Kostyuk in a relationship?

Yes, she is married to George Kyzymenko, as detailed above.

Who did Marta Kostyuk marry?

George Kyzymenko. He works as a tennis coach and has been seen supporting Kostyuk at tournaments, including the 2024 Australian Open. The pair own a pet dog together, according to EssentiallySports.

The implication: Kostyuk’s marriage is a private anchor, but public curiosity remains high given her rising profile.

Does Marta Kostyuk have children?

No. All available sources — including the WTA Official profile, Marta Kostyuk Foundation, and EssentiallySports — state that Kostyuk has no children as of 2026. Her WTA biography lists her father Oleg and two sisters but makes no mention of her own offspring.

Marta Kostyuk’s family background

Kostyuk grew up in Kyiv. Her mother and father both played tennis at a competitive level. She has two younger sisters. Her foundation aims to support junior tennis in Ukraine, reflecting her family’s athletic tradition.

Marta Kostyuk children

Despite some online speculation, no credible outlet has reported that Kostyuk is a parent. The couple’s only publicly known “child” is a dog, mentioned in the EssentiallySports profile.

The pattern: Kostyuk’s private choices keep speculation at bay, but no credible evidence points to parenthood.

Why did Kostyuk not shake hands with Sabalenka?

During the 2023 French Open, after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, Kostyuk walked off the court without shaking hands. The snub was widely reported and interpreted as a political statement tied to Sabalenka’s Belarusian nationality and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Marta Kostyuk handshake snub

Kostyuk later told reporters, I have my own reasons. I respect her as a player, but it’s personal. She did not elaborate further. The tournament issued no penalty. Roland Garros (official tournament site) documented the incident but offered no commentary.

Marta Kostyuk Sabalenka dispute

Sabalenka responded by saying she understood Kostyuk’s position, noting the emotional weight of the war. The incident fueled debate about whether sports and politics should mix. Kostyuk publicly stated that Ukrainian players face difficult choices on court.

“I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say it doesn’t affect me. Every Ukrainian player has their own way of handling it.”

— Marta Kostyuk, 2023 post‑match interview, as reported by Roland Garros

The catch: Kostyuk’s silence on her exact reasons leaves the act open to interpretation, but it clearly shaped her public image.

What is Marta Kostyuk’s current WTA ranking?

As of the latest WTA rankings (June 2026), Kostyuk sits at No. 12 — her career high, reached on June 8, 2026. The WTA Official profile confirms this rank and notes that she has won 2 singles titles and earned $2,269,048 in prize money.

Marta Kostyuk ranking

Her ranking climb: broke into Top 100 by end of 2020, Top 50 in 2021, Top 20 in 2024, and reached No. 12 in 2026. The Mouratoglou Academy (tennis training institute) earlier noted a career-high of No. 16, but the WTA’s live index now shows No. 12.

Marta Kostyuk career-high

The WTA’s own data is the definitive source: WTA Official lists No. 12 as her highest singles ranking, achieved in June 2026. Earlier profiles (including Roland Garros and the Foundation) reference No. 16, which appears to have been a static snapshot before 2026.

What is the bra rule at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon’s all-white dress code, enforced since 1877, requires players to wear white clothing — including undergarments. In 2023, the All England Club relaxed the rule slightly, allowing women to wear dark-coloured undershorts if they preferred, but the rule for bras remained unchanged: any visible bra must be white.

Wimbledon dress code

The policy is famously strict. Players have been asked to change mid-match for wearing non‑white undershirts or bras. Kostyuk herself has competed at Wimbledon under this rule without incident, though other players have publicly criticised it for being outdated and uncomfortable for female athletes.

All-white rule tennis

The exception for undershorts was introduced after player complaints about menstruation‑related anxiety. Bras, however, are still subject to the all‑white rule. The WTA Official does not comment on dress codes, but Wimbledon’s own regulations are the primary source.

The pattern: Wimbledon’s strict dress code continues to spark debate, but Kostyuk stays within the rules.

Marta Kostyuk Career Timeline

• 2017 – Turned professional. (WTA Official)
• 2020 – Broke into Top 100. (Roland Garros)
• 2021 – Entered Top 50 after reaching Roland‑Garros round of 16. (Roland Garros)
• 2023 – French Open quarterfinalist; handshake snub vs Sabalenka; married George Kyzymenko. (The Knot)
• 2025 – Reached career-high No. 12. (WTA Official)
• 2026 – Maintains top‑20 ranking; active on tour. (WTA Official)

The implication: Kostyuk’s steady climb reflects consistent improvement, with the handshake controversy marking a pivotal year.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

The following separates verified details from gaps that remain in public knowledge.

What this means: Kostyuk controls her narrative tightly, leaving some questions unanswered but building a clear career story.

Quotes from the player and the press

“I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say it doesn’t affect me. Every Ukrainian player has their own way of handling it.”

— Marta Kostyuk, 2023 French Open post‑match press conference, via Roland Garros

“She’s a great player. I have no issues with her personally. It’s about the situation.”

— Marta Kostyuk, on Aryna Sabalenka, reported by WTA Official

“Kostyuk’s refusal to shake hands was one of the most talked‑about moments of the tournament.”

— Roland Garros editorial overview

For Kostyuk, the choice is clear: continue balancing a top‑20 career with a private family life and an outspoken public persona, or risk being remembered only for a handshake that lasted three seconds.

Her refusal to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka, known as the handshake controversy, has sparked widespread debate about sportsmanship and political protest.

Frequently asked questions

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