Kostyuk's Ukrainian opponent Andreeva awaits in the next match.

REF: 324

Marta Kostyuk's Ukrainian spirit will be put to the test as she takes on Russian challenger Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals of the women's tournament at Roland Garros on Thursday.

With Aryna Sabalenka's unexpected exit from the quarter-finals, Andreeva has risen to become the top-ranked competitor remaining in the competition.

Diana Shnaider, a fellow Russian competitor of Andreeva, is set to face Maja Chwalinska next.

Kostyuk faces off against Andreeva for the third time, amidst ongoing tensions stemming from Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where a pre-match or post-match handshake is unlikely to occur as usual.

Encounters between Ukrainian players and their Russian or Belarusian counterparts on the WTA Tour have been shrouded in the shadow of war for a long time now, with Kostyuk being a vocal critic of the situation.

Kostyuk's upcoming opponent, Andreeva, remains tight-lipped about a sensitive matter, despite Kostyuk's confidence in putting it behind her during their match.

Kostyuk expressed frustration about the lack of clarity regarding ongoing events, particularly given that her country was involved in conflicts with others.

In their head-to-head encounters so far this year, Kostyuk has emerged victorious twice, with one win coming on a clay court surface.

In the semifinals, two southpaws are set to clash on the Parisian clay courts unexpectedly.

Chwalinska, Poland's representative, has achieved a remarkable feat as the second qualifier since the introduction of the professional era in 1968 to reach the final four.

In a stunning turn of events, Shnaider mounted an impressive comeback to upset Sabalenka and secure her spot in the next round.

Following an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, Chwalinska's momentum remains strong.

Tiredness is to be expected, yet it's masked by the intense energy of competing at this level every day.

When nerves take over, she finds solace in the familiarity of competition. Her focus shifts, and doubts fade away once she steps onto the court.

The two opponents had previously clashed in a semi-final match four years prior at a lower-tier tournament in Istanbul, where the Russian player secured a decisive victory in straight sets. This week's encounter promises to be equally intense.

The upcoming opponent, Andreeva, presents a unique challenge due to her unorthodox playing style. Her ability to execute drop shots and slices effectively requires adaptability from opponents like Shnaider. As a left-handed player, she brings an element of unpredictability to the match. Tomorrow's contest will indeed be a significant adjustment for Shnaider after facing Sabalenka in their previous encounter.

Tomorrow's bout promises to be intense, with both competitors giving their all and seizing the moment for victory. The stage is set for an electrifying clash, as each fighter strives to leave everything on the table. A thrilling encounter awaits.

The French Open order of play for Thursday features seeded players.