World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her Brisbane International title on Sunday with a dominant performance against Marta Kostyuk at Pat Rafter Arena. The match featured an unusual moment in the immediate aftermath when Sabalenka kissed her biceps in celebration, prompting questions from reporters during the post-match press conference.
The victory marked another significant chapter in the ongoing narrative between these two players, whose relationship has been marked by tension both on and off the court.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Unique Celebration After Beating Marta Kostyuk in Brisbane International
Sabalenka defeated Kostyuk with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 scoreline in one hour and 19 minutes, completing her unbeaten run through the tournament without dropping a single set across all five matches.
The unusual moment came immediately after the final point when Sabalenka kissed her biceps, catching the attention of courtside observers.
During the subsequent press conference, she provided her explanation for the celebration. “I think because during the game I made a lot of aggressive, heavy winners when I see the speed, so I was just making fun with my team,” Sabalenka explained, pointing towards the powerful winners she had struck during the match.
MOMMYY KKKKKK pic.twitter.com/PrZMW30OOI
— News Aryna Sabalenka (@Sabanewsss) January 11, 2026
MORE: Marta Kostyuk Refuses to Congratulate Aryna Sabalenka During Emotional Ukraine Speech in Brisbane
The conversation shifted to the broader context of her rivalry with Kostyuk when a reporter raised the topic of the Ukrainian player’s refusal to shake hands after their matches.
This isn’t something new, as she has declined to extend traditional post-match handshakes to players from Belarus and Russia. To this, Sabalenka replied, “Well, it’s their position. What can I do? I don’t mind that. I don’t care about that.”
Further elaborating on her mindset when facing any opponent, Sabalenka articulated her philosophy clearly.
“When I go into the match, it’s all about tennis and sport. 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,” she stated.
For the world No. 1, the focus remains simple: competition, execution, and securing victory in the match.
Sabalenka’s Australian Dominance Continues in 2026
Sabalenka’s performance in the Brisbane final demonstrated the precision and power that have established her as the world’s top-ranked player. She controlled the opening set from the outset, securing an early break for a 3-0 lead before Kostyuk showed competitive spirit by winning three consecutive games to level the set at 3-3.
However, Sabalenka’s superior baseline strength proved decisive as she broke serve once more to take the opening set in approximately 40 minutes after winning 100% of her first-serve points.
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Makes It Clear She Doesn’t Want Her Partner To Be Her ‘Boyfriend’ Anymore
The second set saw Sabalenka break serve immediately and quickly extend her advantage to 3-0, effectively sealing the match’s outcome. She subsequently served out the match comfortably, finishing with an overall first-serve winning percentage of 81% and converting three of her eight break-point opportunities.
Kostyuk, despite her impressive run through the tournament, could mount no sustained challenge in the second set.
Sabalenka’s dominance in Australia has reached remarkable levels since the start of 2023, compiling a record of 38 wins against just two losses on Australian soil. She reached the finals of all seven tournaments she contested in Australia during this span, demonstrating unparalleled consistency in the region. In Brisbane specifically, this victory marks her second consecutive title at the Pat Rafter Arena, following her first win in 2025.
The back-to-back titles place her in distinguished company, as she becomes only the third woman in Brisbane International history to successfully defend the season-opening WTA 500 championship, joining Serena Williams and Karolína Plíšková.
