Marta Kostyuk: Ukraine star secures first WTA title with victory over Varvara Gracheva in ATX Open final

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk secured her maiden breakthrough win at the highest level with victory over Varvara Gracheva in the final of the ATX Open.

The 20-year-old has been gradually climbing the ranks and announced herself on the big stage with a run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Kostyuk carried that momentum into Texas, where she powered to the title.

Gracheva, who was also chasing a first career title, put up a strong showing but Kostyuk emerged victorious with a 6-3 7-5 success.

“Being in the position I am in now, it is extremely special to win his title and I want to dedicate this to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now,” Kostyuk said. “It is a special moment.

“I want to thank everyone who put this tournament on, it is not easy. You guys are unbelievable.”

Kostyuk had to show her mettle, as the Ukrainian saved a set point at 5-4 down in the second set – and won back-to-back games shortly afterwards to close out the match.

The victory improves Kostyuk’s season record to 15-6, and she will wake up on Monday morning as a player ranked inside the top 50 in the world.

It was a battle from the off, as the opening game lasted nine minutes – with Kostyuk breaking at the fourth time of asking.

There were five consecutive breaks of serve in the opening set but a hold from Kostyuk at 4-2 set her up to claim the opening set.

Gracheva was stronger in the second set and an ace at 5-4 earned her a set point, but Kostyuk fended it off and broke two points later.

There was the drama of an underarm serve from Kostyuk on the way to a service hold at in the 11th game, and she broke again one game later to clinch the title.