Article by David Istrate – Published Sunday, January 11, 2026, 10:32 / Updated Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:34
Aryna Sabalenka (27 years old, 1 WTA) won 6-4, 6-3 against Marta Kostyuk (23 years old, 26 WTA) in the final of the WTA tournament in Brisbane and won the 22nd trophy of her career. Beyond the names of the two opponents, there was a duel between a Belarusian and a Ukrainian, and this topic was addressed at the awards ceremony at the end of the game.
The final in Brisbane pitted world number one Aryna Sabalenka against Marta Kostyuk, who had beaten 3 top 10 players on her way to the final act of the competition.
Triumphant, Aryna Sabalenka put on a show at the awards ceremony: “I put pressure on, didn't I?”
The 23-year-old entered the court with high hopes, but her opponent quickly proved that she is in great form. The match lasted only one hour and 19 minutes, and Sabalenka won in two sets: 6-4, 6-3.
The awards ceremony was marked by two very different speeches from the opponents in the Brisbane final. Sabalenka, in her characteristic style, peppered her speech with several jokes and self-mockery.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Marta and her team for an incredible start to the season. I wish you the best of luck, it looks like it's going to be a year of quality tennis and I hope to see you in many more finals,” the 27-year-old began, before thanking her sponsors, tournament director and organizers.
Aryna Sabalenka, triumphant in Brisbane/Photo: Getty Images
Then Sabalenka addressed the fans:
“You guys are incredible. Thank you so much for the wonderful atmosphere you have created. I see your posters, it's an inspiration for me to keep working and moving forward. Thank you for your support!“
At the end, she sent a message of thanks to her team and joked with her boyfriend.
“As usual, thanks to the team for handling me. I'm really difficult to handle and you guys are the strongest people in the world if you can handle me. Thank you and I love you.
I also thank my boyfriend, I hope to call you something else soon. I just added extra pressure, didn't I?”, concluded Sabalenka, laughing.
Marta Kostyuk's revelation: “My sister sleeps under 3 blankets because of how cold it is at home”
Kostyuk's speech was different. She too thanked her fans and team, but at one point she directly addressed the “elephant in the room,” the war in Ukraine.
“I want to say a few words about Ukraine. I play every day with heartache. There are thousands of people who are without electricity or hot water at this time. It's -20 degrees outside and it's very, very painful to live this reality daily.
It's really hot in Brisbane so it's hard to imagine but my sister sleeps under 3 blankets because of how cold it is at home. I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans this week,” said the world number 26.
“I want to thank all the opponents I've played against this week. You've made me better, you've motivated me every day, every week, and I'm very happy to be on this journey,” Kostyuk added, before ending with the famous “Slava Ukraini” salute.
Aryna Sabalenka's journey to Brisbane
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Round 2: 6-0, 6-1 vs. Cristina Bucsa
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Optimum finals: 6-3, 6-3 vs. Sorana Cîrstea
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Quarter finals: 6-3, 6-3 vs. Madison Keys
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Semifinals: 6-3, 6-4 vs. Karolina Muchova
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Final: 6-4, 6-3 vs. Marta Kostyuk
Marta Kostyuk's journey to Brisbane
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Round 2: 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-0 vs. Yulia Putintseva
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Optimum finals: 6-4, 6-3 vs. Amanda Anisimova
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Quarter finals: 7-6 (7), 6-3 vs. Mirra Andreeva
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Semifinals: 6-0, 6-3 vs. Jessica Pegula
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Final: 4-6, 3-6 vs. Aryna Sabalenka
