When Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk sat down with Tennis365 at the Wuhan Open, she probably didn’t expect her comments to light up tennis social media. But the 23-year-old’s remarks about “biological structure” and “testosterone levels” among the game’s top stars did exactly that, sparking an online debate that quickly spread across the tennis community.
Asked if she ever feels intimidated by players such as Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Swiatek, Kostyuk offered an unusually candid response. “We all have our own biological structure,” she said. “Some have a higher level of testosterone, some have lower. It’s just natural and that definitely helps. I feel smaller than them. I have to run a lot more to win points.”
The 5-foot-9 Ukrainian, currently ranked No. 27, didn’t hesitate to compare herself physically to the world’s top two players. Both Swiatek and Sabalenka, who stands at 5-foot-11, have beaten her this season in Rome and Madrid.
Kostyuk also discussed the mental difference that separates the greats from the rest. “Their confidence is just different. I’ve played close matches with Aryna and she just doesn’t care. She hits a big serve, big forehand, no doubt. I’m still trying to figure that out.”
Social media reacts as Sabalenka posts “girls’ day” photos from Dubai
Within a day of the interview going public, Aryna Sabalenka seemed to respond in her own way. The world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion shared a set of photos from Dubai’s luxurious Atlantis The Royal resort.
“Much needed girl’s day with my bestie,” she captioned the post featuring fellow star Paula Badosa. At first glance, it was just a fun vacation snapshot. But the timing and confidence of the post quickly set tennis fans buzzing. Some interpreted it as a subtle show of power, a wordless reminder of who currently rules the WTA tour.
The photos flooded Instagram feeds and comment sections, with one user writing, “Aryna’s confidence says everything that needs to be said.”
The tennis world splits over biology, confidence, and what truly defines greatness
Kostyuk’s words have divided opinion among fans and pundits. Supporters praised her honesty about physical diversity in women’s sports and the challenge of facing naturally stronger opponents. Critics argued that bringing testosterone into the conversation oversimplifies performance, pointing out that mindset, skill, and consistency often outweigh pure strength.
Sabalenka has chosen silence, letting her results carry the message. With a U.S. Open title, multiple Masters trophies, and a firm grip on the world No. 1 ranking, she remains one of the most dominant forces in modern women’s tennis.
For Kostyuk, this moment puts her in an unfamiliar spotlight. Whether her comments spark a larger conversation about fairness and physiology or fade as another viral headline, she has added a new layer to one of the sport’s most intriguing rivalries.
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