The Sabalenka-Kostyuk Cold War Heats Up: Aryna's Bicep-Kiss Celebration Sparks Debate | WATCH

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 12:06 IST

Aryna Sabalenka beat Marta Kostyuk to defend her Brisbane International title, sparking debate with a bicep kiss amid ongoing tensions and ahead of the Australian Open.

Sabalenka and Kostyuk at Brisbane International (AP, AFP)

Aryna Sabalenka didn’t just defend her Brisbane International crown, but also made a statement that echoed well beyond the baseline.

The world No.1 brushed aside Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 in a sharp 77-minute final, underlining her status as the woman to beat heading into the Australian Open.

But it was what followed the final point that stole the spotlight.

After sealing victory, Sabalenka turned toward Kostyuk and kissed both biceps, a gesture that immediately reignited debate around past comments made by the Ukrainian.

Last October, Kostyuk had suggested that some players possess higher testosterone levels, noting Sabalenka was “much bigger, much taller, much stronger."

Sabalenka had previously dismissed those remarks as “excuses," but insisted on Sunday that the celebration wasn’t aimed at her opponent.

“I was just making fun with my team," Sabalenka said. “I hit a lot of aggressive, heavy winners today."

Context, however, matters. Tension between the pair has lingered for years. Kostyuk famously refused to shake Sabalenka’s hand after their French Open 2023 match due to Sabalenka’s Belarusian nationality, given Belarus’ support of Russia in the war in Ukraine.

That frostiness carried into Brisbane’s trophy ceremony. Kostyuk delivered an emotional speech about Ukraine but did not mention Sabalenka by name, reinforcing the visible distance between the two.

Sabalenka, for her part, has previously voiced opposition to the war, but political realities continue to spill into tennis — particularly when emotions run high.

What’s beyond dispute is her form.

The Brisbane title sends a clear warning shot ahead of the Australian Open starting January 18, where Sabalenka will chase a rare third straight Melbourne crown after lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2024.

News sports tennis The Sabalenka-Kostyuk Cold War Heats Up: Aryna's Bicep-Kiss Celebration Sparks Debate | WATCH

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