Marta Kostyuk Reaches Brisbane Final with Three Consecutive Top-10 Wins
Brisbane, 11 January 2026 – Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk capped off an extraordinary week at the Brisbane International by defeating world No. 6 Jessica Pegula 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals, securing her place in the final against reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Kostyuk’s Breakthrough Run
Kostyuk, ranked No. 26, entered the tournament with a clear goal of finishing the year in the Top 10. Her performance in Brisbane marked a significant milestone, as she defeated three top-10 opponents in succession: world No. 3 Amanda Anisimova in the third round, world No. 9 Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals, and Pegula in the semifinals. This is her first semifinal appearance at the event and her fourth career WTA final.
Key Matches and Results
In the third round, Kostyuk upset Anisimova 6-4, 6-3, improving her head-to-head record to 3-1. She followed this with a 7-6(7), 6-3 victory over Andreeva in the quarterfinals, her first win against the Russian. The semifinal against Pegula was particularly dominant, with Kostyuk winning in just 56 minutes, recording 20 winners compared to Pegula’s two.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | No. 26 (1659 points) |
| Career High | No. 16 |
| 2026 Record | 4-0 |
| Prize Money (2026) | A$1.6 million |
| Head-to-Head vs Sabalenka | 0-4 |
Looking Ahead
Kostyuk will face Sabalenka in the final, who defeated Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-4. Sabalenka leads the head-to-head 4-0 and is aiming for her second consecutive Brisbane title. Kostyuk expressed confidence, stating she is playing with freedom and focusing on her game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marta Kostyuk’s best result at the Brisbane International?
This semifinal appearance is her best so far; previously, she reached the second round in 2024 and 2025.
How many top-10 wins has Kostyuk had this season?
She has three top-10 wins in Brisbane alone, her only ones in 2026 prior to this tournament.
What is Kostyuk’s goal for the year?
She aims to finish the season in the Top 10, a clear objective she set for the first time.