World number one Aryna Sabalenka has successfully defended her title at the Brisbane International, triumphing over Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in a straight-sets final with a score of 6-4, 6-3. The victory, secured on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marks Sabalenka's second consecutive Brisbane International championship, correcting the initial BBC headline's claim of a 'third' title. Sabalenka's dominant performance saw her navigate the entire tournament without dropping a single set, showcasing formidable form ahead of the Australian Open, which commences on January 18. Her journey to the final included strong wins against opponents like Karolina Muchova and Madison Keys. This win adds the 22nd career title to the Belarusian's impressive resume and further solidifies her strong record on Australian soil. Marta Kostyuk, the world number 26, had a commendable run to the final, notably defeating three top-10 players, including Jessica Pegula, en route to her first final since 2024. Despite her strong showing, she couldn't overcome Sabalenka's relentless intensity. The match was also notable for a frosty post-match exchange between the two players, stemming from previous tensions related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Kostyuk often declining to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players. This significant win positions Sabalenka as a strong contender for the upcoming Australian Open, where she aims for her third Grand Slam title.