World Sport News

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.