 "Marta Kostyuk’s testosterone claim against Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek has been criticised by the fans. Images: Reuters")
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has sparked a massive controversy in the tennis world after claiming that Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have an edge over their opponents due to having a “higher level of testosterone,” as others are made to work harder to win points against the duo.
The Belarusian Sabalenka and Polish Swiatek are the most successful female tennis players in recent years. The 27-year-old Sabalenka has won four Grand Slams to date, including three since 2024, while Swiatek has won six major titles, including four at the French Open.
Kostyuk sparks controversy with comments over Sabalenka, Swiatek
Kostyuk, whose career best is a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in 2024, has a 0-4 record against Sabalenka and a 0-3 record against Swiatek. The world No 28 was recently asked about playing against Sabalenka, Swiatek and their domination.
In reply, Kostyuk chose to highlight the physical strength of Sabalenka and Swiatek, stating that it gives them a clear advantage.
“Against Iga, when I have played her, I wasn’t ready to play her at all. I played her over a year ago and she was very strong. With Aryna, I know it is a tough battle. I have my own skills, but at the end of the day, they are all much bigger than me, much taller than me, much stronger than me,” the Ukrainian told Tennis 365.
“We all have our own biological structure. Some have a higher level of testosterone, some have lower. I know players who are good players who have higher levels of it.
“It’s just natural, they don’t take anything. I’m sure of that. It’s just the biology of their body. Obviously, that definitely helps. I’m trying to see how I can beat these players with the tennis skills I have, but I have to work more than they have to win the points.”
Fans slam Kostyuk after testosterone claims against Sabalenka, Swiatek
Kostyuk’s comments clearly did not go down well with fans who said that the Ukrainian needs stronger mental strength and not better physicality to beat Sabalenka or Swiatek.
“Giiiirrrrllll you’re the same height as Iga, the real issue is your lack of clutchness. Bringing size and testosterone into it is uncalled for and disrespectful,” a fan wrote while reacting to Kostyuk’s comments.
Another fan said: “it’s not 1950’s anymore and it’s totally fine for women to be taller/bigger and take advantage of their built and genes instead of basically blaming other women for their skill issues!”
Some fans also pointed out that Kostyuk is listed as 5ft 9” on the WTA website, but players like 5ft 4” Jasmine Paolini and 5ft 6” Leylah Fernandez have managed to win trophies and reach Grand Slam finals.