“Family is my Ukraine,” Dayana Yastremska wrote on the TV camera after upsetting two-time Melbourne Park champion Victoria Azarenka to join compatriot Marta Kostyuk in the last eight of Australian Open 2024.
MORE: AO 2024 women's singles draw
Monday in Melbourne was a special day for Yastremska and Kostyuk, who – in booking their maiden berths in Grand Slam quarterfinals – marked the first time multiple Ukrainian women have reached the final eight at a major in the Open Era.
Though tennis is an individual sport, their collective success provides a rare burst of good news to the millions at home, and reminds onlookers about the plight of their war-torn nation.
Kostyuk, when asked why Ukrainian players have been able to succeed while navigating such difficult personal circumstances, responded thoughtfully.
BONUS: Download your copy of the Australian Open 2024 Official Program
“I think it just shows that there is no limit in human possibilities withstanding stress and all around it," said the 21-year-old, who takes it upon herself to read news from home before delivering it in a digestible way to others.
“Sometimes the news [is] not great, and it can really, really shift the mood and shift your fighting spirit," she added.
“For me personally, it was very difficult, but at the same time I've grown a lot as a person."
For Kostyuk, being forced to mature quickly gave her renewed perspective.
“If there was never a war in my life, I don't think I would be able to grow this much as I grew in the last two years," she said.
Hardship, too, has made Yastremska, who fled Ukraine in February 2022, more resilient.
“It's the war and I have to show better results for Ukraine,” she said, adding that almost two years into the war, processing the challenging emotions that she’s been wrestling with have become more manageable.
“The war, of course, affected us a lot, because you cannot go home like you want, when you want, like it was before. You always read the news. You always see the videos,” said Yastremska, noting that her grandmother’s house was struck in an attack before one of her matches at the Brisbane International.
The 23-year-old qualifier said on Monday that she knows those at home will be thrilled for her.
“I’m happy to make them be proud,” smiled the world No.93, who has “Made of Bravery” and “Be Brave Like Ukraine” messages in yellow and blue – the colours of the nation’s flag -- emblazoned on her racquet bag.
Yastremska said she's thrilled Kostyuk reached the last eight at Melbourne Park.
“I’m proud of Marta … she had tough matches,” said Yastremska, who is two years older than her 21-year-old compatriot.
“I think it’s great that we are here, and we are showing good results.”
Kostyuk said she was “so very happy” for her countrywoman and occasional doubles partner, and hopes that their ongoing success will remind the wider world that the war is ongoing.
Elina Svitolina, the women's 19th seed, unfortunately wasn't able to join her compatriots as the third Ukrainian through to the last eight after being forced to retire from her fourth-round contest against Linda Noskova with injury.
Despite her personal predicament, the mother-of-one said she’s happy for her younger peers, and hopes their success will beget future success.
“We all have been playing really well,” said the Odesa-born 29-year-old, whose has reached three major semifinals and lifted her tennis to a level that her countrywomen are seeking to emulate.
“It's great for Ukrainian tennis, it's great for the upcoming generation as well, especially now these days when Ukraine in such a tough time. I’m happy that they are doing great.”
Buoyed by purpose, don't be surprised if Kostyuk and Yastremska fly their blue and yellow flag deeper into the second week of AO 2024.