“For the next match we will come up with a different format” : Aryna Sabalenka would love a rematch against Nick Kyrgios with some big rule changes
Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios squared off against each other in the much anticipated Battle of Sexes in Dubai on Sunday. The Australian emerged victorious 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. According to the rules of the match, Kyrgios’ side of the court was 10% bigger than Sabalenka’s, and he got only one serve.
Aryna Sabalenka stated that she would love a rematch against the Australian, and this time with a major change in rules. The Belarusian said that the next time they face off, the handicaps on Nick Kyrgios’ side of the court would be abolished, which would make it a equal match-up.
Aryna Sabalenka also claimed that she would do better in the rematch given that she now knows Kyrgios as a player. The Belarusian stated that she learned a lot from her defeat, and would know how to play against the Australian in their next battle.
“I think for the next match we will come up with a different format,” the 27-year-old said. As I always say, losing is learning and I learned a lot. Now I know better Nick as a player and as a person as well. I feel like I know how to play against him (now) and I would do it again.”
Aryna Sabalenka will kickstart her 2026 season at the WTA Brisbane Open, as he looks to reclaim her Australian Open crown once again. She claimed back to back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, before Madison Keys denied her a hattrick of titles in the final last year.
Aryna Sabalenka believes that she is going to have some competitive matches in Brisbane, which would serve as a perfect way to prepare for the first major of the year. The field is stacked, with seven of the top 10 ranked WTA players taking part in the tournament.
“It’s a great tournament – a really strong draw, I love it,” she said.
“It’s going to be a lot of great matches before the Australian Open. That is what I need. I am happy to see a lot of great players coming to Brisbane. I’m always hungry for titles and obviously losing in the final (of the Australian Open) it was a very tight match and I felt like I just made a couple of errors at the end of the match and it cost me a grand slam title, so (that) definitely stays in the back of my mind and is going to keep me motivated and hungry,” Sabalenka added.
