In 2023, Marta Kostyuk embarked on a new chapter in her tennis career by teaming up with coach Sandra Zaniewska. Now, a year later, Kostyuk has revealed the unique reasons behind choosing Zaniewska as her coach. She shared that their connection goes beyond the typical player-coach relationship, describing it as a mother-daughter bond that adds a special and distinct dimension to their partnership.

Kostyuk, who made her Australian Open debut in 2018 at the age of 15, initially battled with the intense pressure to live up to the high standards she set for herself. Even though she is ranked No. 27 this year, which is her career-high rating, Kostyuk’s unwavering quest for perfection has frequently eclipsed her accomplishments.

But she acknowledges that Sandra Zaniewska, her coach, helped her embrace who she really is, both on and off the court. In an interview with the WTA insider, she stated, “Usually, when I had this kind of behavior, no one for one second would accept it or try to understand why I feel this way, or try and have a conversation with me, or even just let me be. She did, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is coaching at the next level.’ I’ve never witnessed this.” 

Marta Kostyuk and Sandra Zaniewska are connected on a deeper level than only mutual honesty. Kostyuk disclosed that she has developed a maternal bond with Zaniewska, which distinguishes the Polish coach from others.

“I’m a person who talks, and it was very difficult for me because when you work with a male coach, most of them don’t talk. They cannot express what you feel and adjust. My mother has been my primary coach for most of my life. I’m thrilled, and I sincerely hope that Sandra and my examples will inspire other female coaches to join the tour and increase students’ faith in them,” the Ukrainian further added.

On the WTA tour, female coaches have historically been uncommon, but Marta Kostyuk wants to change that perception. Talking about her collaboration with Sandra Zaniewska, the 22-year-old remarked, “I hope that examples like mine and Sandra’s will bring more women coaches on tour and that girls will trust more women.”

Kostyuk also gets a sense of freedom from her partnership with Zaniewska. Just a few weeks ago, the Ukrainian tennis player mentioned that freedom is one aspect that makes their partnership even more special.

Marta Kostyuk feels ‘free’ with coach Sandra Zaniewska

Describing the special relationship she has with her coach, Kostyuk highlighted how Zaniewska lets her be who she really is without putting any limitations on her innate conduct. In addition, she acknowledged that Zaniewska was instrumental in guiding her through a physically and emotionally taxing last few weeks.

“I’m feeling very relaxed because I don’t have to pretend or be scared, or I don’t know how to tell her something because I don’t know how she will react. I’m very emotional so a lot of coaches before would try and control it, like you cannot throw your racquet or something like this. She just lets me be how I am and who I am. We feel free,” Kostyuk said.

Zaniewska, who was hired as Kostyuk’s coach after Wimbledon, has played a vital role in helping the young Ukrainian get through this challenging period. What are your thoughts on this player-coach relationship? Do let us know in the comment section below.