A tense situation unfolded after the conclusion of the WTA 500 Brisbane 2026 final, where Aryna Sabalenka defeated Marta Kostyuk. It is widely known that the Ukrainian player avoids greeting Russian and Belarusian players, prompting the organizers to clarify that there would be no joint photo session of the finalists with the trophies following the awards ceremony. Moreover, they did not exchange greetings after the match ended, although the world number 1 had kind words for the Ukrainian in her speech.
Brisbane title? Defended 👊@SabalenkaA goes back to back in Brisbane with straight sets against Kostyuk!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/aamETaKCri
— wta (@WTA) January 11, 2026
Aryna Sabalenka after beating Kostyuk in the Brisbane final:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 11, 2026
“First I want to congratulate Marta and her team on an incredible start to the season. I wish you all the best. I hope we meet many more times in the finals to show great tennis” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ouVt8YyqN5
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka y Kostyuk no se saludan ni posan juntas tras la final en Brisbane

