Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka, the WTA No. 1, defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 to win the Brisbane WTA 500, claiming her 22nd career trophy and a second straight title at the event.
- Kostyuk chose not to shake hands or pose for the traditional joint photo after the final, breaking with standard post-match practice.
- In her remarks, the Ukrainian detailed hardships at home, citing thousands without electricity or hot water, temperatures near -20°C, and her sister sleeping under three blankets.
- Sabalenka congratulated Kostyuk on court but later said the missed handshake was the other camp’s decision and that she focuses solely on her tennis and winning matches.
- The episode renews a fraught rivalry that intensified after Kostyuk’s late‑2025 comments on biological advantages, with reporters also noting Sabalenka’s biceps‑kissing celebration as the Australian Open approaches.