Ukrainian Kostyuk refused to congratulate Belarusian tennis player Sabalenka after the final.

Refusal to congratulate

According to The Sun: Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk refused to congratulate her Belarusian rival Aryna Sabalenka after the final in Brisbane. World number one Sabalenka, 27, successfully defended her title, starting the 2026 season. After losing to Kostyuk with a score of 6-4, 6-3, she did not shake hands with her opponent. This decision reflects the steadfast position of many Ukrainian players regarding Russian athletes.

This refusal to congratulate is not new for Ukrainian tennis players, who often demonstrate their disagreement with the political situation.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between Ukrainian athletes and their opponents from countries involved in the war in Ukraine. The refusal to congratulate has become not only a personal but also a symbolic gesture in support of their country.