'I play every day with a pain in my heart': Title rival refuses to mention Sabalenka as feud continues
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A frosty relationship between women's No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and her rival Marta Kostyuk intensified following Sunday night's Brisbane International final.
Sabalenka triumphed 6-4, 6-3 on Pat Rafter Arena to add to her bulging trophy cabinet.
After match point, Sabalenka looked down the court at Kostyuk and kissed both biceps, a likely nod to previous comments by Kostyuk that she possessed higher testosterone levels than other players.
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Kostyuk has previously said the comments last year were taken out of context but it increased the tensions between the pair since the Ukrainian's refusal to shake Sabalenka's hand after a match at the 2023 French Open.
Following the match, Sabalenka denied the act was pointed towards Kostyuk.
"During the game I made a lot of aggressive, heavy winners," she explained.
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine rests in between games in her Brisbane final against Aryna Sabalenka. Getty
"I was just making fun with my team."
Kostyuk has been among Ukrainian players refusing to shake the hands of Russian or Belarusian opponents amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The post-match trophy presentation on Sunday was frosty.
Kostyuk spoke passionately about her homeland but notably declined to mention Sabalenka by name.
“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 minus-20 degrees outside right now, so it’s very, very painful to live this reality every day.
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"I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags here this week … slava Ukraini (glory to Ukraine).”
Sabalenka, meanwhile, congratulated Kostyuk, stating she hoped they would meet in another final soon.
Top-ranked Sabalenka captured her second consecutive Brisbane International title and 22nd career singles crown.
She appeared in her third straight Brisbane final and the Belarusian looked in comfortable surroundings.
The Brisbane International is a tune-up for the Australian Open which begins Sunday.
