Why Fans Are Angry at Marta Kostyuk’s Speech, And Why Many Defend Her Stand
Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian tennis star and current world No. 20, found herself at the centre of controversy following the Brisbane International final on January 11, 2026. After her straight-sets defeat to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who secured the title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory, Kostyuk’s post-match conduct and emotional comments about the war in Ukraine sparked intense reactions from fans and tennis experts alike.
While the final itself was a high-quality contest showcasing elite-level tennis, it was Kostyuk’s actions after the match that dominated headlines. During the traditional trophy ceremony, she declined to shake hands with Sabalenka or pose for the customary post-match photograph. The gesture was widely interpreted as a political statement linked to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Like several Ukrainian athletes, Kostyuk has consistently refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, viewing the act as a symbolic protest against continued aggression.
Addressing the crowd during her runner-up speech, Kostyuk avoided directly naming Sabalenka. Instead, she used the moment to highlight the harsh realities Ukrainians are currently facing during winter. “I play every day with a pain in my heart… there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now… my sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home,” she said, speaking with visible emotion. Her remarks were intended to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in her homeland.
The emotional speech, however, divided public opinion. Some fans and commentators criticised Kostyuk, accusing her of poor sportsmanship and mixing sport with politics. A section of spectators booed during parts of the ceremony, interpreting her refusal to offer customary congratulations as disrespectful. These responses sparked further debate on social media about the limits of athlete activism and the role of personal convictions in professional sport.
Others swiftly defended Kostyuk’s choice. Supporters pointed out that tennis is not played in a vacuum and that global events, especially wars inevitably influence the lives of players who are directly affected by them. Many argued that Kostyuk’s remarks were a conscious choice to leverage her platform and keep international focus on the ongoing suffering in Ukraine. Her own statements on Instagram reinforced this perspective, where she explained that speaking up was intentional and heartfelt rather than malicious.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, maintained a calm and composed response. In her victory speech, the Brisbane International champion congratulated Kostyuk on a strong tournament run and expressed hope that they would meet again in future finals. In other interactions, Sabalenka has also stated that she does not support the war and has attempted to distance herself from political tensions surrounding the conflict.
The incident underscores the complex intersection of sportsmanship, personal belief and geopolitical conflict in modern tennis. Whether viewed as a powerful act of conscience or a breach of tradition, Kostyuk’s actions highlight how global issues can cast long shadows over elite sporting events. As the tennis world now turns its focus to the Australian Open 2026, where both Kostyuk and Sabalenka are expected to compete, this episode adds an emotionally charged layer to the narratives unfolding both on and off the court.
While the final itself was a high-quality contest showcasing elite-level tennis, it was Kostyuk’s actions after the match that dominated headlines. During the traditional trophy ceremony, she declined to shake hands with Sabalenka or pose for the customary post-match photograph. The gesture was widely interpreted as a political statement linked to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Like several Ukrainian athletes, Kostyuk has consistently refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, viewing the act as a symbolic protest against continued aggression.
Addressing the crowd during her runner-up speech, Kostyuk avoided directly naming Sabalenka. Instead, she used the moment to highlight the harsh realities Ukrainians are currently facing during winter. “I play every day with a pain in my heart… there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now… my sister is sleeping under three blankets because of how cold it is at home,” she said, speaking with visible emotion. Her remarks were intended to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in her homeland.
The emotional speech, however, divided public opinion. Some fans and commentators criticised Kostyuk, accusing her of poor sportsmanship and mixing sport with politics. A section of spectators booed during parts of the ceremony, interpreting her refusal to offer customary congratulations as disrespectful. These responses sparked further debate on social media about the limits of athlete activism and the role of personal convictions in professional sport.
Others swiftly defended Kostyuk’s choice. Supporters pointed out that tennis is not played in a vacuum and that global events, especially wars inevitably influence the lives of players who are directly affected by them. Many argued that Kostyuk’s remarks were a conscious choice to leverage her platform and keep international focus on the ongoing suffering in Ukraine. Her own statements on Instagram reinforced this perspective, where she explained that speaking up was intentional and heartfelt rather than malicious.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, maintained a calm and composed response. In her victory speech, the Brisbane International champion congratulated Kostyuk on a strong tournament run and expressed hope that they would meet again in future finals. In other interactions, Sabalenka has also stated that she does not support the war and has attempted to distance herself from political tensions surrounding the conflict.
The incident underscores the complex intersection of sportsmanship, personal belief and geopolitical conflict in modern tennis. Whether viewed as a powerful act of conscience or a breach of tradition, Kostyuk’s actions highlight how global issues can cast long shadows over elite sporting events. As the tennis world now turns its focus to the Australian Open 2026, where both Kostyuk and Sabalenka are expected to compete, this episode adds an emotionally charged layer to the narratives unfolding both on and off the court.
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