"My sister is sleeping under three blankets": Marta Kostyuk openly snubs Aryna Sabalenka in Ukraine led Brisbane runners-up speech
WTA
Marta Kostyuk openly snubbed congratulating Aryna Sabalenka in her post final speech at the Brisbane International as she fell for the fifth time to the World No.1 being defeated 6-4, 6-3.
Kostyuk and Sabalenka at least on the end of the former have no love lost with the Ukrainian on the surface not giving Sabalenka the time of day anyway due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, a topic that dominated her post final speech.
Kostyuk as well as other Ukrainians have long not shook hands with Belarusians as well as Russians and the former was booed for not doing so at the French Open back in 2023. Something that Sabalenka said she didn't deserve. The World No.1 on the otherhand congratulated Kostyuk during her speech albeit Kostyuk wasn't particularly warm about her congratulations as expected.
Added dynamics and harsh reality
Also there is the added issue being that Kostyuk was close friends with Paula Badosa which promptly fell apart when Sabalenka came into the picture so there is the added narrative now as Sabalenka is now Badosa's best friend and they played doubles together.
Kostyuk though used her speech to have a few words about Ukraine and how she plays everyday with pain in her heart due to what is going on back at home. She thanked the tournament, her team and also her husband who was there in Brisbane. But also said how her other family was sleeping under three blankets in minus 20 degrees and it's a painful reality to live. But also how she has been buoyed this week by the flags of Ukraine in the stands and getting the support.
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“First of all, I want to say thank you to all the volunteers, all the ball kids, Martina, everyone involved in creating this tournament, ANZ and the Queensland Government. And yeah, hundreds and thousands of people who make this tournament possible for us. Thank you to the amazing crowd this week. I had an unbelievable week. It was amazing to play in front of you," said Kostyuk on court.
Also, I want to say a few words about Ukraine. I play every day with pain in my heart, and there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now. It’s minus 20 degrees outside, so it’s very, very painful to live this reality every day. And you know, it’s very hot here in Brisbane, so it’s difficult to imagine this, but my sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home.
So, I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags this week too. I want to thank all of the opponents that I played this week. You guys make me better. You push me to be better every week, every day, and I’m very happy to be on this journey.
I want to thank my team. I’m sorry I lost another final — it’s been three already — but maybe the next one I’m going to get. Not maybe, but for sure. And yeah, thank you so much for your support. Thank you to my husband for being by my side this week, and thank you so much, everyone. Slava Ukraini!”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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