Sabalenka on Kostyuk Handshake Snub: 'Doesn't Matter If...' After Brisbane Win

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Firstpost•12-01-2026, 15:53
Sabalenka on Kostyuk Handshake Snub: 'Doesn't Matter If...' After Brisbane Win
- •Aryna Sabalenka won the Brisbane International, defeating Marta Kostyuk in straight sets for her first 2026 trophy.
- •Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Sabalenka, maintaining her policy against Russian/Belarusian players since 2022 due to the Ukraine invasion.
- •Kostyuk had also declined a handshake with Mirra Andreeva in the tournament's quarterfinal.
- •Sabalenka stated she doesn't care about the handshake refusal, focusing solely on her tennis and winning the match.
- •Sabalenka dominated the final with a 6-4, 6-3 victory, preparing for the Australian Open where she aims for her fourth consecutive final.
Why It Matters: Sabalenka prioritizes her tennis and performance over handshake controversies after winning the Brisbane International.
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