“I Feel Smaller Than Them”: Marta Kostyuk Opens Up on What Sets Sabalenka and Swiatek Apart
Marta Kostyuk has always been a rising name in women’s tennis — fierce, fearless, and full of potential. But even the most confident athletes have moments of humility, and Kostyuk recently opened up about her awe toward two of the sport’s biggest stars — Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek. In a refreshingly honest admission, the young Ukrainian revealed how competing against them makes her feel “smaller,” not because of ability, but because of the aura these champions bring to the court.
Speaking candidly, Kostyuk described Sabalenka and Świątek as players who radiate a different level of power and presence. “When I face them, I feel smaller than them,” she admitted, adding that it’s not about intimidation, but about the energy they carry. “They move, hit, and even breathe differently on court — it’s like everything they do has an extra edge.” Her words reflect a rare glimpse into how top-tier athletes perceive the emotional and psychological side of competition.
Sabalenka, known for her explosive strength and warrior-like approach, has long been a figure of dominance in women’s tennis. Her fierce forehands and commanding serves often crush opponents before they can even settle into the match. For Kostyuk, it’s this raw intensity that makes Sabalenka stand out — an energy that’s not just physical, but deeply mental. “You can feel her power before she even hits the ball,” she said, smiling. “It’s like she’s already inside your head.”
On the other hand, Iga Świątek represents a completely different type of challenge — quiet, methodical, and ruthlessly consistent. While Sabalenka thrives on emotion, Świątek’s strength lies in control and precision. Kostyuk described her as “a machine in human form,” praising her calmness and discipline. “She doesn’t need to roar,” Kostyuk said. “You just feel her focus. She’s unshakable.”
What makes Kostyuk’s reflection so intriguing is that it’s not rooted in defeat, but admiration. She sees in Sabalenka and Świątek the blueprint of what greatness looks like — a combination of physical might, mental clarity, and an almost spiritual connection to the game. For Kostyuk, acknowledging their superiority isn’t weakness — it’s motivation. “They push me to look at myself differently,” she admitted. “I see how much more I can grow.”
The honesty of her comments struck a chord with fans and analysts alike, many praising her for the maturity to recognize and learn from her competitors. In a sport often dominated by ego and rivalry, Kostyuk’s words were a reminder that respect and self-awareness can be powerful tools for progress. Her willingness to speak about feeling “smaller” shows that she’s focused on growth rather than comparison.
Kostyuk also reflected on how the women’s game has evolved — how players like Świątek and Sabalenka have raised the bar for everyone else. “It’s not just about hitting hard anymore,” she explained. “It’s about how you think, recover, adapt. They’re complete athletes.” This observation highlights her growing understanding of what it takes to stay competitive in an era defined by relentless performance and professionalism.
For many fans, this version of Marta Kostyuk — grounded, thoughtful, and ambitious — is one to watch closely. She’s no longer just the fiery young talent; she’s transforming into a player who studies the game and its champions with purpose. “I don’t want to feel smaller forever,” she said with a grin. “I want to stand tall next to them — not as their admirer, but as their equal.”
And that’s the real story here — a young woman refusing to be defined by comparison, instead using it as fuel to become better. In a world where rivals often downplay one another, Marta Kostyuk’s respect for Sabalenka and Świątek is refreshing and rare. It’s not a sign of insecurity — it’s the mindset of a future champion in the making.
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