"I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now" - Marta Kostyuk following ATX Open win

Marta Kostyuk won her maiden WTA singles title on Sunday at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas.

The Ukrainian was seeded eighth at the WTA 250 event and beat Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 7-5 in the final. She also beat Dalma Galfi, Madison Brengle, Anna-Lena Friedsam and Danielle Collins earlier in the week.

Kostyuk gave an emotional victory speech and dedicated her maiden WTA title to her home country of Ukraine and to "all the people who are fighting and dying."

"Being in the position that I am in right now, it's extremely special to win this title and I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now," Marta Kostyuk said.

The Ukrainian also thanked the tournament organizers, saying it was "one of the nicest" events she has played at.

"Yeah, obviously it's a very special moment no matter where it happens but I want to say thank you guys, everyone who put this tournament together. I know it takes a lot of work and a lot of hours, it's really not easy guys. Ball kids, staff, transporters, everyone, unbelievable," Kostyuk continued.

"This is one of the nicest tournaments I've been to. I said in draw ceremony that it feels like a home tournament here, and a lot of people came here to support me. Thank you guys, Thank you," she added.

Marta Kostyuk climbs to 40th in WTA rankings

Marta Kostyuk in action at the Dubai Tennis Championships

Marta Kostyuk dropped just one set en route to her maiden WTA singles title in Austin, Texas. The Ukrainian's performances saw her climb 12 spots to a career-high 40th in the WTA rankings.

Kostyuk has an 11-4 record so far this season. She began the year at the Adelaide International 1, where she reached the quarterfinals before losing to Ons Jabeur. The 20-year-old then entered the qualifiers for the Adelaide International 2 but fell at the first hurdle to Shelby Rogers.

Kostyuk then reached the third round of the Australian Open before being ousted by Jessica Pegula. She followed this up with second-round exits at the Abu Dhabi Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships, losing to Belinda Bencic on both occasions.

Marta Kostyuk will next be seen in action at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells starting on March 8.