Miami Open Drama: Kostyuk Triumphs Over Blinkova Amidst Political Tension

An Underarm Ace Seals the Victory

The Miami Open witnessed a dramatic finish on Sunday as Marta Kostyuk clinched victory against Anna Blinkova with an audacious underarm serve. The unexpected shot caught Blinkova completely off guard, resulting in an ace that sealed Kostyuk's place in the last 16.

This unconventional tactic, more commonly seen in the men's ATP circuit with players like Nick Kyrgios and Alejandro Davidovich, proved surprisingly effective in this WTA 1000 matchup.

Post-Match Snub Reflects Ongoing Conflict

Following the final point, Kostyuk walked directly to the umpire, pointedly avoiding a handshake with Blinkova. This deliberate snub reflects the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the sporting encounter.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Kostyuk has consistently refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, using her platform to protest the invasion of her homeland.

Kostyuk Advances, Faces Tough Challenge Ahead

Kostyuk now progresses to face home favorite and fourth seed, Jessica Pegula, who earned her spot with a hard-fought victory over Anna Kalinskaya.

The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling contest as Kostyuk rides the momentum of her upset win, while Pegula looks to continue her strong performance in the tournament.