In brief
Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion at the Brisbane International, remarked on the value of her exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios, which she played in Dubai. Despite criticism that the match lacked substance compared to the original 'Battle of the Sexes,' Sabalenka believes it drew significant attention to tennis and helped enhance her fitness. She opened her 2026 season with a decisive victory over Cristina Bucsa.
Aryna Sabalenka defended her 'Battle of the Sexes' match against Nick Kyrgios after she opened her 2026 season with a 47-minute victory against Cristina Bucsa.Women's world number one Sabalenka lost 6-3 6-3 to Kyrgios in a much-publicised exhibition match in Dubai last month. The Belarusian, a four-time major winner, noted that the match contributed positively to her fitness, particularly after a dominant performance against the 28th-ranked Bucsa, winning 6-0 6-1 in the second round of the Brisbane International.Sabalenka remarked, When you play against a guy, the intensity is completely different. Especially when there is Nick, who is drop-shotting every other shot, you move a lot, so there was a great fitness for me.The exhibition faced criticism, with Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek stating it did not contribute to social change, in contrast to the historic 'Battle of the Sexes' between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. However, Sabalenka asserted that the match successfully brought so many eyes on tennis.She added, It wasn't about proving something to anyone. It was able to show that tennis can be really huge. That exhibition, it was fun. It was a great challenge.Sabalenka, who received a first-round bye in Brisbane, will face Romania's Sorana Cirstea in round three, with the Australian Open starting on 18 January.
