'I don't care about that' - Aryna Sabalenka dismisses Marta Kostyuk handshake snub after Brisbane International victory

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Ahead of the Australian Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka won her second consecutive Brisbane International tournament. She pulled off a 6-4 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk on Sunday, needing one hour, 17 minutes for the win. The title is the 22nd major title won by the brilliant Sabalenka. Live coverage of the 2026 Australian Open is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Aryna Sabalenka won her second consecutive Brisbane International title, beating Marta Kostyuk in straight sets on Sunday, and she said she "didn't care" about the Ukrainian's decision not to shake her hand.

The women’s world No. 1 set herself up well for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Sabalenka claimed a 6-4 6-3 victory in one hour, 17 minutes, the ideal result with the Melbourne major just a week away.

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There have been tense relations between Kostyuk and Sabalenka, with Kostyuk complimenting her opponent’s strength, linking it with testosterone levels.

The Ukrainian did not acknowledge Sabalenka in the post-match conversation because of Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s invasion of her homeland, and did not shake her hand at the end of the match.

"I want to say a few words about Ukraine," Kostyuk said. "I play every day with a pain in my heart.

"There are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now, it's -20 degrees outside right now, so it's very, very painful to live this reality every day.

"I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags here this week… Slava Ukraini."

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Sabalenka has won 13 of her 14 matches in Brisbane, and victory was little surprise as she held a 4-0 head-to-head advantage over her opponent.

Speaking after the win, Sabalenka said: "First of all, I just want to congratulate Marta and her team on an incredible start to the season.

"I wish you all the best this season. It seems like it is going to be great tennis and I hope that we are going to meet each other many more times in finals."

However, discussing matters in more detail at the press conference later on Sunday, Sabalenka was more dismissive when asked about the handshake situation, which is mirrored by a number of Ukrainian athletes across sport.

"It's their position," Sabalenka said. "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 think about what I have to do to get the win. It doesn't matter if it's Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula. I still go out there and try my best and fight for the trophy. I have nothing to prove. I go out there and compete as an athlete."

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Kostyuk started poorly as she almost lost her serve in the opening game as she went 40-30 down, but managed to rally to hold. However, she was broken in her fourth game, though broke back to take the scores to 3-3.

However, Sabalenka stepped up the pressure and sealed the opening set 6-4 with a break of serve.

In the second set, Sablenka built her advantage early, going 2-0 with a break of serve before moving 3-0 up.

She then threatened to break to go 5-1, only for Kostyuk to hold to move to 4-2, though Sabelanka continued to push through with her serve and took the second set 6-3.

The win represents a 22nd title win for Sabalenka. She will hope to bounce back from last year's disappointment in Melbourne and win her third Australian Open.

She already has wins in 2023 and 2024. Last year, she won the US Open, her fourth Grand Slam title overall.

Kostyuk's best performance at the Australian Open is a semi-final appearance in 2023. She is yet to win a Grand Slam, and has two career titles to her name, ranked No. 26 in the world.

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