Marta Kostyuk has spoken up about her decision to bring up the situation in Ukraine in the aftermath of her women’s singles final loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the 2026 Brisbane International. According to Kostyuk, it would have been ‘inhumane’ had she not talked about the abject state of war in her home country and the severe humanitarian crisis the Ukrainian people are currently experiencing as peace talks with Russia remain unmaterialized.
On Sunday, January 11, the 23-year-old Ukrainian WTA star suffered a 4-6, 3-6 loss to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. After the match, Kostyuk refused to shake the Belarusian’s hand; an act that has become a symbolic way for Ukrainian athletes to protest against Russia and Belarus’ involvement in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent atrocities. Later, while delivering the runner-up’s speech during the trophy presentation ceremony, Kostyuk said:
“I want to say a few words about Ukraine. I play every day with pain in my heart. There are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now. It’s -20 degrees outside. It’s very painful to live this reality every day. My sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home. I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian flags this week.”
Later, at her post-match press conference, Kostyuk stood by her decision to talk about Ukraine, saying:
“So, you know, I’m here, I do my job, of course, this is the most important thing, but at the same time, like, the reality back home is very, very different. So I just, I feel like I cannot ignore it and I have to share it. I have platform for this, and I have voice. Yeah, you know, it’s not, in my position, it’s not okay to not talk about it. It’s just, I mean, it’s just gonna be inhumane for me.”
Aryna Sabalenka Makes Feelings Known on Marta Kostyuk’s Handshake Snub After Brisbane International Final
Sabalenka, at her own post-match press conference, was asked to share her thoughts on Kostyuk snubbing a handshake with her and then refusing to pose with her for photos with their respective 2026 Brisbane International trophies. Here, the Belarusian, laying bare how she doesn’t care whether Kostyuk and other Ukrainian WTA players shake her hand or appear with her for photos, said:
“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. When I go out there, I think about my tennis and the things I have to do to get the win.”
Both Sabalenka and Kostyuk will now focus on preparing for their respective campaigns at the 2026 Australian Open.
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