Aryna Sabalenka addresses Marta Kostyuk handshake snub after Brisbane final
NewsSunday, 11 January 2026 at 16:35
Aryna Sabalenka won her first trophy of the 2026 season at the Brisbane International, but what followed after the final ball was played wasn't a customary handshake.
It's been some time since Sabalenka had a chance to shake hands with her Ukrainian rivals on the WTA Tour. The reason is simple. Since the start of the War in Ukraine, tennis players from this country have refused to shake hands with players from Russia and Belarus.
Sabalenka is one of those players, and while not having a customary handshake was something she had to get used to at the start, and once even waited for her opponent at the net, not realizing she didn't plan to shake her hand. That happened at the 2023 Roland Garros against Elina Svitolina, with fans booing the Ukrainian, not aware of the reason behind her actions.
Since then, the WTA and tournament organizers have made announcements, making it clear that Ukrainian tennis players don't want to shake hands with their opponents from Russia and Belarus to avoid similar incidents.
Sabalenka, who has spoken against the war since it started, accepts the decision of her rivals, which she mentioned also when asked about it after the Brisbane International final, in which she bested Marta Kostyuk.
"Well, it's their position. It's their position. What can I do? I don't mind that. I don't care about that. When I go into the match, it's all about tennis and sport."
Sabalenka was also asked whether it motivates her to perform better, knowing that her opponent won't shake her hand. However, she maintained that it doesn't bother her and that she wants to beat everyone, regardless of who they are.
"When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win. Doesn't matter if it's Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I still go out there and I still try my best, and I'll still fight for the trophy. I have nothing to prove. I go there and I just compete as an athlete."
Aryna Sabalenka heads to the Australian Open as the top favorite
There hasn't been any other woman who would do better in Melbourne over the past few years than Sabalenka. She is a two-time Australian Open champion, and even though she failed to win her third consecutive trophy at the "Happy Slam" last year, she will attempt to win her third Australian Open title this year.
Despite her win at the Brisbane International, the 27-year-old still mentioned that there are things she could improve, showing how motivated she is to do well at the opening major of the season.
"No, for sure there are so many things I can improve at, and that's the beauty of sport. There is always that little percent for little room for improvement. I definitely feel really great about my game, about my tennis, but I also know that there is a lot of things to improve and to work on. That's what we're gonna focus on next week."
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