Wimbledon Open: Marta Kostyuk one win from making Ukrainian history

LONDON: Marta Kostyuk moved within one victory of becoming the first Ukrainian to reach a Grand Slam singles final after defeating Jasmine Paolini on Wednesday to secure her maiden Wimbledon semi-final and a second successive Grand Slam last-four appearance.

The world No. 13 has now won 21 of her last 22 WTA Tour matches since April, continuing a remarkable run of form that has established her among the standout performers on the women's circuit this season.

The 23-year-old also dedicated her Wimbledon campaign to her mother and her 89-year-old grandfather, revealing how much their encouragement has meant throughout her career.

"I'm so happy I'm able to do this while my grandpa is still alive," Kostyuk said.

"He's 89 years old. He's texting me after every single match, telling me what I should do better. I mean, these past few matches he didn't. He was just super proud, telling me how good I'm playing.

"I didn't get a lot of messages from him like this in my life. I'm very happy that they get to witness this."

Kostyuk will face Czech youngster Linda Noskova, who is contesting her first Grand Slam semi-final, on Thursday.

The pair have met once previously, with Kostyuk claiming a straight-sets victory in the Madrid Open quarter-finals earlier this year.

The winner will be guaranteed a place in the WTA top 10, regardless of the result in the final.

It is pertinent to mention that Ukrainian also reached the last four at the French Open, losing to Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, the eventual champion in Paris.