🚨 “SHE CHEATED!” Just seconds after her shocking defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the Brisbane International FINAL, Marta Kostyuk erupted in anger, pointing directly at Sabalenka and loudly accusing her of using high-tech devices to cheat, while demanding that the ATP immediately launch an emergency investigation.

Ten minutes later, in front of dozens of television cameras, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi released an official statement that left the entire stadium in complete shock.

“SHE CHEATED!” — Tension explodes in the Brisbane International final: Marta Kostyuk accuses Aryna Sabalenka, the ATP reacts immediately

The Brisbane International final, meant to be a celebration of top-level tennis, turned into a scene of extreme tension that stunned players, officials and spectators around the world.

Just seconds after her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka, Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk unleashed her anger in a completely unexpected way, launching a public accusation that immediately put the tournament — and the ATP — in the spotlight.

Still breathless, visibly overwhelmed by emotion, Kostyuk stopped near the net, pointed at Sabalenka, and shouted in front of the cameras: “She cheated!” A brief sentence, but heavy enough to freeze the stadium in icy silence.

The spectators, initially incredulous, quickly understood that this moment would transcend the simple sporting context.

An accusation made in the heat of the moment.

According to several witnesses at courtside, Marta Kostyuk seemed deeply affected by the way the final unfolded. After a hard-fought first set, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka gradually imposed her power and experience, leaving her opponent with few openings.

At match point, Sabalenka raised his arms, while Kostyuk, head bowed, struggled to hold back his tears.

It was in this extremely tense emotional context that the accusation was made. Kostyuk allegedly mentioned the use of “high-tech devices,” without, however, providing specific details or concrete evidence.

No official present on the court confirmed having observed any suspicious behavior or technical irregularity during the match.

Immediate reaction from officials

Given the seriousness of the situation, tournament supervisors quickly intervened to calm tempers and escort the two players off the court.

Just ten minutes later, in front of dozens of television cameras and an international press on high alert, the president of the ATP, Andrea Gaudenzi, took the floor.

In an official statement, Gaudenzi sought to establish a clear and factual framework: “At this stage, no evidence supports the accusations made in the heat of the moment after the match. The match took place under the full supervision of ATP officials, in accordance with the applicable rules.”

Any allegation of cheating is taken seriously, but must be based on verifiable facts.

His words, measured but firm, made it clear that the ATP intended neither to ignore the incident nor to give in to media pressure.

Aryna Sabalenka garde le silence

Aryna Sabalenka, for her part, has chosen a radically different approach. The new Brisbane International champion did not immediately respond directly to the accusations.

During the awards ceremony, she remained dignified and focused, thanking the public and her team without making the slightest allusion to the controversy.

Later, through her entourage, Sabalenka simply stated that she had “complete confidence in the ATP’s procedures” and preferred to “let the facts speak for themselves.” This strategy of silence, for many observers, reinforces her image as an experienced player accustomed to media storms.

Social media is ablaze

As is often the case in these situations, social media erupted within minutes. Some fans expressed their support for Marta Kostyuk, highlighting the immense mental pressure placed on young players during major finals.

Others, on the contrary, denounced an accusation deemed irresponsible, likely to damage the reputation of a champion without tangible proof.

Former players and analysts have pointed out that modern tennis is one of the most strictly controlled sports, both technologically and in terms of regulations. “Accusing someone of cheating in the final, without any concrete evidence, is extremely serious,” commented a consultant for a European television channel.

An investigation or just an incident?

According to sources close to the ATP, no formal investigation has been opened immediately due to a lack of physical evidence. However, the organization reportedly conducted a standard check of the equipment used during the final, as it regularly does after high-profile matches.

For many observers, this episode primarily illustrates the intense psychological pressure that accompanies playing at the highest level. Marta Kostyuk, still relatively new to the circuit, may have let frustration and disappointment get the better of her in a moment of extreme vulnerability.

A final that will be remembered.

Whatever the consequences of this incident, the Brisbane International final will be remembered as one of the most tense in recent years. Not just because of the level of play, but because of that raw, uncontrolled moment when emotion spilled beyond the usual boundaries of professional sport.

As the WTA tour continues, one question remains: will this episode serve as a lesson in managing emotions at the highest level, or will it mark the beginning of an even more electrifying rivalry between Marta Kostyuk and Aryna Sabalenka? One thing is certain: the tennis world will be talking about it for a long time to come.