BRISBANE: World number one Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second consecutive Brisbane International title on Sunday, defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3 in a dominant 78-minute final at Pat Rafter Arena. The victory marked a strong warm-up for the Australian Open, where Sabalenka will aim for a third title in four years.
Read More: Sabalenka fires Australian Open warning with Brisbane domination
Sabalenka was rarely troubled on her serve, facing just three break points, and did not drop a set throughout the tournament. She credited her success to introducing new elements to her game, blending touch shots, net play, and defensive strategies with her usual power. “I finally found the touch game… now I’m not only the aggressive player, I can play at the net, I can be in defence, I can use my slice,” she said after lifting the trophy.
Sabalenka d. Marta Kostyuk 6-4 6-3
Aryna wins back to back titles in Brisbane
That’s now 10 consecutive wins in Brisbane
She’s also won 38 of her last 40 matches in Australia… it’s actually getting ridiculous
✅22nd title
The world #1 is in a dominant mood
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 11, 2026
Kostyuk, ranked 26th in the world, had enjoyed an impressive run to the final, defeating three top-10 players along the way. However, she struggled to counter Sabalenka’s power and consistent serving in the championship match. At the end of the final, there was no handshake between the two players, reflecting ongoing tensions due to the war in Ukraine. Kostyuk highlighted the humanitarian crisis in her homeland during her speech, saying she “plays every day with a pain in my heart” for those affected.
Sabalenka said she focused solely on her tennis during the match and was unfazed by Kostyuk’s stance. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Marta Kostyuk or Jessica Pegula there. I have nothing to prove. I go there and I just compete as an athlete,” she remarked.
Read More: Sabalenka into third straight Brisbane final ahead of Australian Open
The Brisbane win reinforces Sabalenka’s status as a favourite for the upcoming Australian Open, building momentum after her Melbourne Park final loss last year and her championship victories in 2023 and 2024.