TENNIS: Kostyuk's lucky shorts steal the show after Madrid triumph

MADRID — Marta Kostyuk claimed her maiden WTA 1000 title at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday, defeating eighth-ranked Mirra Andreeva 6-3, 7-5 in straight sets in under 90 minutes.

The world No. 23 showcased her power and composure throughout the final, securing the biggest title of her career and her third professional singles crown overall. It also marked her second title in less than a month following her victory in Rouen.

However, it was not only the trophy that drew attention after the match. While posing for photos at the Caja Mágica with her team and her two dogs, Kostyuk held up a pair of black underwear that sparked curiosity and laughter.

The item, she later explained, had become a lighthearted good-luck charm within her team.

“We have a tournament laundry service and sometimes the clothes get mixed up, and last year we ended up with this piece of underwear where it was written ‘Lucky Shorts.’ So we kept it,” Kostyuk told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus.

“My coach Sandra Zaniewska kept it as a lucky charm. She even drove to her father’s house just to pick it up before traveling here for the tournament. We made a promise that if I won, we would bring the ‘Lucky Shorts’ for the photoshoot with the trophy.”

Kostyuk said lifting the Madrid title carried special meaning, calling it one of the most difficult tournaments on the tour.

“This trophy tastes like champagne, no doubt about it,” she said. “I grew up watching this tournament and the champions who have won here. I never thought this would be possible. It’s amazing.”

“It’s one of the toughest tournaments of the year, and everyone plays so well. I just want to enjoy this moment today, and that’s it.” -Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters