Bicep Kisses and Cold Shoulders: Aryna Sabalenka Fires Back at Marta Kostyuk’s ‘Testosterone’ Digs

If you thought tennis was just about polite applause and strawberries and cream, you clearly haven’t been watching the WTA tour lately. The tension on the court during the Brisbane International final was thick enough to cut with a racket, and it culminated in a moment that has the whole tennis world talking.

We aren’t just talking about the scoreline, although Aryna Sabalenka did handle business in straight sets. We’re talking about the icy aftermath involving Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, a refused handshake, and a flex—literally—that served as the ultimate clapback.

The Moment Sabalenka Broke Her Silence

For casual viewers, the end of a tennis match is usually routine. Match point, cheer, handshake at the net, wave to the crowd. But when Sabalenka secured her victory in Brisbane, the script flipped.

Marta Kostyuk, consistent with her stance over the last year, refused to meet Sabalenka at the net. There was no handshake, barely an acknowledgment—just a quick walk to the umpire’s chair. It was visibly frosty. But it was what happened next that stole the headlines.

During the trophy ceremony, rather than looking dejected or annoyed by the snub, Sabalenka offered a bold, visual response to recent criticisms. She kissed her biceps. It was a cheeky, defiant gesture that seemed to say, “I hear you, and I don’t care.”

The “Testosterone” Controversy Surrounding Sabalenka

To understand why a simple bicep kiss went viral, you have to rewind a bit. This wasn’t just about Sabalenka winning a match; it was a response to specific comments made by Kostyuk regarding the physical nature of the game.

Kostyuk had previously made remarks about testosterone levels in women’s tennis, implying that Sabalenka’s physique gave her an unfair advantage on the court. It was a dig that went beyond strategy and attacked the Belarusian’s integrity as an athlete.

By kissing her muscles while holding the trophy, Sabalenka wasn’t just celebrating a win; she was owning the very thing she was criticized for. It was a moment of supreme confidence. Instead of getting dragged into a verbal war in the press room, she let her body language do the talking. It was a clear message: Yes, I am strong. Yes, I am dominant. Deal with it.

Why the Handshake Snub Keeps Happening

While the bicep kiss was new, the lack of a handshake involving Sabalenka is becoming a recurring theme. The backdrop, of course, is the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kostyuk has been one of the most outspoken voices on the tour, stating she will not shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players as a matter of principle.

For Kostyuk, this isn’t a personal attack on Sabalenka as a human being, but a moral stance against the country she represents. However, the optics on the court remain awkward. Tennis is a sport steeped in tradition and etiquette, and seeing players walk past each other without contact still jars the audience.

Sabalenka has often found herself in the middle of this geopolitical storm. She has expressed frustration in the past, noting that she feels targeted for her nationality—something she has no control over. She has insisted she wants to be judged on her forehand and her serve, not global politics.

How Sabalenka is Handling the Heat

It takes a specific type of mental fortitude to play your best tennis when your opponent—and sometimes the crowd—is visibly rooting against you for reasons that have nothing to do with sport.

Yet, Sabalenka seems to be turning that heat into fuel. Her performance in Brisbane was clinical. She didn’t let the pre-match chatter or the anticipated post-match awkwardness affect her swing. If anything, the hostility seems to be sharpening her focus.

The “bicep kiss” incident suggests a shift in her mentality. She is no longer just enduring the criticism; she is playfully dismissing it. This version of Sabalenka is dangerous for the rest of the tour. A player who can laugh off insults and dominate matches is a player who is very hard to beat.

What This Means for the Future of Women’s Tennis

The rivalry between Kostyuk and Sabalenka is far from over. As the season progresses, they are bound to meet again. The cameras won’t just be fixed on the rallies; they will be zoomed in on the net at the end of the match.

This incident forces us to ask tough questions about the intersection of sports and politics. Can we expect athletes to separate their personal beliefs from their professional conduct? Should the WTA step in, or is this just the reality of modern sport?

For now, one thing is certain: Sabalenka isn’t shrinking away from the spotlight. She’s embracing her strength, literally and figuratively, and she’s daring anyone to try and stop her. The next time these two step onto the court, you won’t want to miss it.

FAQ SECTION

Q: What happened in Brisbane?  

A: Sabalenka defeated Kostyuk in the final, followed by a frosty post‑match exchange.

Q: Who is involved?  

A: Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk and Belarusian world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Q: Why is this news important?  

A: It highlights the intersection of sport, politics, and fairness debates in women’s tennis.

Q: What are the next steps?  

A: Both players will continue competing, but their rivalry will remain under close public and media scrutiny.