Sabalenka and Kostyuk’s Rivalry Boils Over: Controversial Gestures Mark Showdown in Brisbane

January 11, 2026 – The clash between top seed Aryna Sabalenka and No. 26 Marta Kostyuk in the WTA 500 de Brisbane final erupted in controversy, with heated gestures and public remarks painting a dramatically contentious picture.

Sabalenka’s Bicep Kiss Sparks Furor

In what is now being dubbed the ‘Bxyzel Match,’ Sabalenka marked her victory by kissing her bicep. The gesture, directed at her Ukrainian opponent, was a clear response to Kostyuk’s earlier remarks about physical disparity and testosterone levels among top players.

“When I see these players… they are all much bigger, taller, and stronger than me. We all have different biological structures… Some have higher levels of testosterone, others less.

I’m sure it helps a lot.”

Marta Kostyuk, Asian Tour 2025 interview

Although Kostyuk was later taken out of context, Sabalenka’s fired-back gesture has fueled the bonfire of their long-standing rivalry.

No Handshake, No Congratulations

A post-match handshake is a time-honored tradition, but it was noticeably absent between Sabalenka and Kostyuk. While this snub might seem petty, it’s part of a pattern of tension between the twonbsp;—nbsp;a.

cooled net embrace between them has been the norm since 2023.

To cap off the icy exchange, Kostyuk omitted Sabalenka in her awards speech, speaking only of herself and her team.

Sabalenka’s Sportsmanship

In contrast, Sabalenka offered a gracious salute to Kostyuk and her team, even expressing hope for more competitive finals to come.

“I want to congratulate Marta and her team for an incredible start to the season… I wish them all the best. I hope we meet many more times in finals to show great tennis.”

Aryna Sabalenka, WTA 500 de Brisbane awards ceremony

Did Marta Kostyuk Go Too Far?

While Kostyuk’s comments were a spark, Sabalenka’s response was gasoline on the fire. But was it warranted? Or wasSabalenka’s counter-gesture a bit excessive, given the original remark’s context?

What’s Next for Sabalenka and Kostyuk?

With the tension palpable, the coming season’s head-to-heads between these two rivals are sure to draw plenty of eyeballs. Will the drama continue? Only time will tell.

Join the conversation: Comment below with your take on the Sabalenka-Kostyuk beef, and share if you agree with Sabalenka’s bicep kiss or believe both players should just shake hands and move on.

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