Australian Open: 15-year-old Kostjuk in the third round of Melbourne

Ukrainian qualifier Marta Kostjuk, the youngest player since Martina Hingis, reached the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne 22 years ago. The 15-year-old won on Wednesday against the Australian Olivia Rogowska 6-3,7-5.

Kostjuk now meets either her countrywoman Jelena Switolina or Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic in fourth place,”I’m just happy. I felt bad today, it was so hot, but I made it,”Kostjuk said after the match ball. She is not surprised about her achievements against much older competitors:”I break records every year. That makes me feel okay.”

Last year, Kostjuk won the title with the junior women’s team in Melbourne and received a wildcard for the qualification. In the first round on Monday she defeated Peng Shuai (China/No. 25) in two sets. She had never played a match on the WTA Tour before. Kostjuk is currently in 521st place in the world rankings, and her recent success makes her about 280 places better.