Marta Kostyuk advanced to the Round of 32 at the Miami Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova on March 21. The Ukrainian controlled proceedings with an aggressive baseline game, hitting 5 aces and winning 76% of points on her first serve to close out the match in straight sets.
Kostyuk’s dominance was evident from the opening set, where she broke Rakhimova’s serve repeatedly to establish a 6-2 lead. Despite 7 double faults, Kostyuk’s first-serve efficiency proved decisive — she won 76% of those points compared to Rakhimova’s 47%. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Kostyuk maintaining pressure to secure the 6-4 closing frame.
The match showcased the offensive gap between the two players. Kostyuk, who averages 67 winners per match on hard courts, imposed her risk-reward style on Rakhimova, whose more conservative approach yielded just 18 winners per match historically. The Ukrainian’s ability to dictate play from the baseline left Rakhimova scrambling defensively throughout the 99-point contest.
Key Takeaways
- Kostyuk’s first-serve effectiveness was the defining factor — her 76% points won on first serves dwarfed Rakhimova’s 47%, creating a 29-percentage-point chasm that proved insurmountable.
- The ace differential told the story of offensive intent: Kostyuk fired 5 aces while Rakhimova managed none, reflecting the Ukrainian’s aggressive serving approach despite landing only 54% of first serves.
- Total points won (56-43) illustrated Kostyuk’s control across the match, accumulating 13 more points than her opponent — a margin consistent with the straight-sets scoreline.
- Rakhimova’s inability to generate break point opportunities (0/0 for both players) suggested Kostyuk’s service games remained largely uncontested, allowing her to dictate tempo without defensive scrambles.
Player Analysis
Marta Kostyuk
Kostyuk showcased the aggressive baseline game that carried her to the Brisbane final earlier this year, firing 5 aces and winning three-quarters of her first-serve points. Her 76% first-serve effectiveness stands well above her hard court average of 60%, indicating she elevated her level when it mattered. Despite 7 double faults — above her typical 4.0 per match — Kostyuk’s willingness to take risks on serve paid dividends, preventing Rakhimova from settling into comfortable return patterns.
The Ukrainian’s ability to win 56 of 99 total points (56.6%) demonstrated complete control. Her recent form (4-6 in last 10 matches) belies her quality; losses came against elite opposition like Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. Against a struggling Rakhimova, Kostyuk’s superior court coverage and shot-making proved more than sufficient.
Kamilla Rakhimova
Rakhimova entered with momentum from a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Solana Sierra but couldn’t replicate that performance against a more accomplished opponent. Her 47% first-serve points won marked a significant regression from her baseline expectations, exposing vulnerabilities against aggressive returners. Landing 63% of first serves should have provided a platform, but Kostyuk’s return pressure neutralized that advantage.
The Russian’s struggles reflect her broader hard court challenges — a 33.9% career win rate on the surface suggests Miami has never been favorable territory. With 2 wins in her last 10 matches before facing Sierra, Rakhimova’s confidence remains fragile. Her inability to generate a single break point opportunity across two sets revealed a passive approach, allowing Kostyuk to dictate exchanges without consequence.
Match Statistics
| Marta Kostyuk | Stat | Kamilla Rakhimova |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Aces | 0 |
| 7 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 54% | 1st Serve % | 63% |
| 76% | 1st Serve Points Won | 47% |
| 38% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 40% |
| 56 | Total Points Won | 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Marta Kostyuk vs Kamilla Rakhimova at Miami 2026?
Marta Kostyuk defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-4 in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open on March 21, 2026.
How many aces did Marta Kostyuk hit against Kamilla Rakhimova?
Kostyuk hit 5 aces in the match, while Rakhimova failed to register any aces.
What was Kostyuk’s first serve effectiveness against Rakhimova at Miami?
Kostyuk won 76% of points on her first serve, compared to Rakhimova’s 47%, a 29-percentage-point advantage that proved decisive.
Who won the Miami Open Round of 64 match between Kostyuk and Rakhimova?
Marta Kostyuk won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, advancing to the Round of 32.
What’s Next
Kostyuk advances to the Round of 32, where she’ll seek to replicate her 2025 Miami quarterfinal run. The Ukrainian’s offensive firepower and Miami pedigree position her as a dangerous floater in the draw.
Head-to-head history: Kamilla Rakhimova vs Marta Kostyuk.
