Aryna Sabalenka has ignited a fresh controversy in women's tennis after appearing to deliver a pointed gesture towards opponent Marta Kostyuk, who had previously suggested the world number one possesses a biological advantage.
A Frosty Final and a Telling Gesture
The Belarusian star clinched her third Brisbane International title with a decisive 6-4, 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Kostyuk, completing a flawless week without dropping a single set. However, the on-court triumph was overshadowed by the tense aftermath. In a frosty post-match presentation, Kostyuk pointedly refused to shake Sabalenka's hand and omitted her name from her runner-up speech.
The animosity stemmed from comments Kostyuk made in October, where she discussed the physical challenges of facing top players like Sabalenka. "We all have our own biological structure," Kostyuk told Tennis 365. "Some have a higher level of testosterone, some have lower. It's just natural and that definitely helps." She added that she felt "much smaller" and had to "work harder" to win points against stronger, taller opponents.
The Biceps Kiss Seen Around the World
Immediately after sealing her straight-sets win, Sabalenka turned to her player's box and kissed her bicep—a gesture widely interpreted as a direct retort to Kostyuk's insinuations about strength and testosterone. The moment quickly circulated on social media, with fans and pundits labelling it a clear dig.
Sabalenka later denied the gesture was aimed at her opponent, stating she was "just making fun with my team." Nevertheless, it marked a highly unusual celebration for the typically reserved champion and added fuel to an existing feud. The pair's tensions date back to the 2023 French Open, where Kostyuk first refused a handshake in protest of Belarus's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Context, Denials, and a Glamorous Clapback
Kostyuk has since claimed her testosterone remarks were "taken out of context," insisting she was speaking broadly about physical differences in sport. "If I had said something wrong, I never have a problem to apologise," she stated, maintaining she was not accusing Sabalenka of any wrongdoing.
Sabalenka did not publicly address the initial assessment. However, days after the interview was published, she posted a series of "very feminine" photos from a luxurious Dubai resort with friend Paula Badosa, which many viewed as a subtle, glamorous rebuttal to the narrative.
The world number one now turns her attention to Melbourne, where she is aiming for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title. The first Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday, 18 January, with this latest rivalry ensuring all eyes will be on her campaign.
