Aryna Sabalenka, the world's number one female tennis player, has expressed her desire for a rematch against Nick Kyrgios following their recent "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match in Dubai. The Australian Kyrgios emerged victorious with a 6-3, 6-3 win, but the contest was played under modified rules, sparking debate among fans. Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced by nine percent, and each player was allowed only one serve, alterations intended to balance the playing field given Kyrgios' renowned power and speed.
Despite the loss, Sabalenka is eager for another shot at Kyrgios, fueled by a desire for revenge. Speaking ahead of the Brisbane International, her first tournament of the season as she prepares for the Australian Open, Sabalenka stated, "I think I would definitely do it again... I love revenge, and I don't like to leave it the way it is". However, she stipulated that the rematch should be played under different conditions. Sabalenka wants a full-sized court and the standard two serves per player. "I think for the next match we will come up with a different format," she said. "Before the match, I didn't realize I would have to adjust, and it was a bit tricky for me. I think I would keep the full court, but I would take two serves. That would even our level a lot more".
Sabalenka believes that the experience of playing Kyrgios has given her valuable insights into his game. "I always say that when you are losing, you are learning, and I learned a lot about his game," she explained. "I know Nick as a player and a person better, and I feel I know how to play against him. I would do it again. I need revenge". She also said she enjoyed challenging Kyrgios physically and mentally.
The original "Battle of the Sexes" refers to a historic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. King, a leading female tennis player, defeated Riggs, a former male champion, in straight sets. Watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide, King's victory was a milestone in the movement for gender equality in sports. Sabalenka and Kyrgios's match, in contrast, was viewed by some as a mere exhibition for entertainment, with some critics labeling it a "money grab" that did little to advance the cause of women's tennis. Sabalenka, however, defends the importance of such exhibition matches, stating, "I think it's really important for tennis to keep it interesting, keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun,".
Aryna Sabalenka, 27, is currently ranked No. 1 in the world. She has won multiple WTA titles, including the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, and the US Open in 2024 and 2025. Nick Kyrgios, known for his flamboyant style and powerful game, has been ranked as high as world No. 13.
