Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk, ranked No. 27, ignited controversy in a recent interview by attributing her struggles against the world’s top players to their apparent higher testosterone levels and superior physical builds.
Critics were many. Even as the outlet publishing the interview admits that the quotes were taken out of context. And now, Kostyuk is responding by posting sizzling bikini photos on Instagram that clearly show a low-T physique.
The 23-year-old sensation from Eastern Europe was asked by reporters at the Wuhan Open whether or not she feels “intimidated by players” like world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Her response focused on the physical differences between herself and those players.
“We all have our own biological structure,” she said. “Some have a higher level of testosterone, some have lower. It’s just natural and that definitely helps.”
“I feel smaller than them. I try to see how I can beat these players with the tennis skills I have, but I have to work harder to win the points,” Kostyuk continued. “I have to run a lot more than them to win points.”
Aryna Sabalenka claps back with some stunning bikini photos
Kostyuk, who lost to Sabalenka twice this year, appeared to motivate her rival to clap back against the testosterone allegations. Aryna posted Instagram bikini photos from a Dubai resort getaway with friend Paula Badosa the following day.
“Much-needed girl’s day with my bestie,” she captioned the images while clearly showing off some top-notch feminine assets.
Joining Sabalenka in those pics is tennis star Paula Badosa, the 27-year-old Spanish sensation, who wowed fans with a series of bikini photos of her own after enjoying a luxurious holiday in Indonesia recently.
Not to be outdone, Kostyuk also took to Instagram to post her own fun beach-loving bikini snaps from the Maldives.
“Slow moments, sunshine, and a lot to be grateful for,” she captioned the images.
Slow moments. And slow curves. Body like a back road, as they say.
READ MORE: Tennis Star Paula Badosa Posts Jaw-Dropping Bikini Pic
Taken out of context
Now that’s an Instagram war we can get behind. Bikini photos hot enough to break your serve.
Meanwhile, the outlet that ran Kostyuk’s “testosterone” comments says they left out some context and insisted her words “were an honest reflection” of how she feels battling on the court, not a personal shot at her opponents.
“These comments were an honest reflection of how Marta feels on court, but they have been spun to insinuate Kostyuk was criticising her opponents, which was never her intention,” they wrote.
“The player has received nasty comments on social media, and that should never have been the outcome from an enjoyable interview that shone a light on the mindset of a player who will be eying up a big breakthrough at the top of the game in 2026.”
Given the context, any animosity between these players and their fans should be resolved. Maybe now we can get them together for a dual bikini photo shoot?