Marta Kostyuk invites charitable donations for Ukraine on 21st birthday

FLASHBACK: Kostyuk won her first WTA title in Texas earlier this season.

Marta Kostyuk isn’t asking for presents this year.

The world No. 35 is instead asking fans to help celebrate her 21st birthday by donating to her eponymous Charitable Foundation, thereby supporting the continued efforts of the Ukrainian people against invasion from Russia and Belarus.

“If you want to fill my day with even more happiness, please do a good thing and make a donation to support my Charitable Foundation, which cares about children in need,” Kostyuk wrote on Wednesday. “Every contribution you make, big or small, is extremely important and will help us to achieve and realize our noble goal—to help children.”

Kostyuk, who has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of her country since the invasion began last Febuary, launched her foundation in April after a return to Kyiv.

“It's extraordinarily painful to watch my whole country suffer so hard and for so long,” she wrote at the time. “For many weeks I have been working with all my heart and soul on creating a personal project.

“Destitute Ukrainian children who suffer from difficult life circumstances, insufficient attention, care, lack of basic conditions, and now—from tragic events in Ukraine.

“I believe that the best way to demonstrate effectiveness is not loud words and promises, but actions that are understandable to everyone.”

The former junior Australian Open champion is ranked just below her career-high ranking of No. 34, having won her first WTA singles title in March. Fresh off winning her second WTA doubles title in Birmingham, Kostyuk has already achieved much in her short time on tour, but she aims to achieve even more with her humanitarian efforts.

Click here for more information about her foundation and how to help celebrate her birthday.