Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Sabalenka Wins Brisbane International, Sparks Debate
Aryna Sabalenka won the Brisbane International tennis tournament by beating Marta Kostyuk with scores of 6-4 and 6-3.
This win was very special because it was her 22nd career title and her fifth in Australia.
After winning, Sabalenka kissed her biceps, which some people thought was a response to Kostyuk's past comments about her being bigger and stronger.
Kostyuk had also refused to shake Sabalenka's hand in a previous match because of political reasons.
Sabalenka said the bicep kiss was just a joke with her team.
Both players will now focus on the Australian Open, where Sabalenka hopes to win her third straight title in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka won the Brisbane International title, defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3.
This was Sabalenka's 22nd career WTA title and her fifth in Australia.
Sabalenka became one of only three women to defend the season-opening WTA 500 title.
She is now third among active players for most tournament victories, behind Venus Williams and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka's bicep-kiss celebration sparked debate, with some viewing it as a response to Kostyuk's past comments about her physical attributes.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka and Marta Kostyuk
- What
- Brisbane International tennis final and post-match controversy
- When
- Sunday, January 12, 2026
- Where
- Pat Rafter Arena, Brisbane
- Why
- To compete for the Brisbane International title and address ongoing tensions
Sabalenka's Perspective
Kostyuk's Perspective
Bicep Kiss Celebration
Sabalenka's Perspective
Sabalenka claims it was a joke with her team, not directed at Kostyuk.
Kostyuk's Perspective
Kostyuk's supporters see it as a response to her past comments about Sabalenka's physical attributes.
Handshake Incident
Sabalenka's Perspective
Sabalenka has opposed the war in Ukraine and finds Kostyuk's behavior unprofessional.
Kostyuk's Perspective
Kostyuk refused to shake Sabalenka's hand due to her Belarusian nationality and the country's support for Russia in the war.
- Winner
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Runner-up
- Marta Kostyuk
- Score
- 6-4, 6-3
- Duration
- 1 hour and 18 minutes
- Venue
- Pat Rafter Arena, Brisbane
- Sabalenka's Career Titles
- 22
- Sabalenka's Titles in Australia
- 5
- Sabalenka's Rank Among Active Players
- 3rd
Sources
Sabalenka defends Brisbane International crown, clinches 22nd career WTA title
Daniil Medvedev beat Brandon Nakashima to win Brisbane International
The Sabalenka-Kostyuk Cold War Heats Up: Aryna's Bicep-Kiss Celebration Sparks Debate | WATCH
Sabalenka's cheeky victory speech sets engagement buzz
Aryna Sabalenka enters Australian Open as favourite, but without familiar momentum - Telegraph India
