She woke up to 'We’re at war' in Ukraine. Now Mariia Vainshtein is a New York City tennis champion - AP News
AP News
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mariia Vainshtein’s remarkable journey from a wartime Ukraine to becoming a New York City tennis champion is a testament to resilience and determination. When she woke up to the shocking news of war breaking out in her homeland, Vainshtein, like many others, had to迅速 flee her home in Kyiv. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, she found solace in her passion for tennis, which eventually led her to achieve a historic victory at the U.S. Open Women’s Singles Championship in New York City. Her story not only highlights athletic excellence but also serves as an inspiration of hope in the face of global conflict.
Vainshtein, who was just 19 years old when the war began, had been training rigorously in Kyiv, aiming to make a name for herself on the international tennis circuit. The outbreak of war forced her and her family to flee to Poland, where she continued her journey as a tennis player despite the challenges of displacement and uncertainty about her future. Her ability to maintain focus and determination in such difficult circumstances was evident when she competed in the U.S. Open qualifying tournament just weeks after arriving in New York.
The significance of Vainshtein’s achievement lies not only in her skill but also in the broader message it conveys. At a time when global conflicts dominate headlines, her story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. As she continues to rise in the ranks of professional tennis, Vainshtein is not just making history on the court; she is also becoming a symbol of hope for those affected by war and displacement. Her journey underscores how sport can serve as a unifying force, offering a glimmer of normalcy and possibility even in the darkest of times.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/23/2026