Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula agree on the WTA player who has impressed them so far in 2026

Madison Keys explains why Marta Kostyuk has impressed her already in 2026

Marta Kostyuk has not won a title yet in 2026, but she did reach the final of the Brisbane International before losing to the aforementioned Sabalenka.

The world number 20 did this in impressive fashion after beating three top players in Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Amanda Anisimova.

When discussing the first week of the season on The Player’s Box Podcast, Keys and doubles Grand Slam champion Desirae Krawczyk praised Kostyuk for her performances.

“Marta [Kostyuk] always looks super fit, but watching her play yesterday, I was like ‘woah’,” said Keys. “She was good!”

Krawczyk added, “I think she lost, what, three points out of the 18 we were watching.”

While she was beaten by Kostyuk, Pegula was full of praise for the Ukrainian and admitted that she felt helpless at points during the match.

“Thanks for the reminder Des,” Pegula said to Krawczyk. “She was just redlining everything. I looked over at Mark [her coach] at one point, saying I might not win a game, unless I do something here, what is going on. She always looks so fit though. I’m trying to think who else… [Clara] Tauson, she looks fitter.”

What is Marta Kostyuk’s best ever result at a Grand Slam?

Kostyuk is a top 20 player and is still only 23 years old, with there being high hopes for the Brisbane finalist.

She has also produced impressive results at the majors, with Kostyuk reaching at least the third round of every Grand Slam tournament.

The best of these results came at the Australian Open in 2024, when Kostyuk made it all the way to the quarterfinals.

Kostyuk will be hoping to repeat and maybe even better this at the Australian Open this year, where she will play Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot in the first round.

The Australian Open will get underway for Kostyuk and the rest of the main draw on Sunday, January 18.