World number one Aryna Sabalenka said on Thursday she wants a rematch with Nick Kyrgios in a “battle of the sexes” so she can get revenge.
Australia’s Kyrgios beat the Belarusian 6-3, 6-3 in a highly publicized showdown in Dubai on Sunday, but a rule change divided fans.
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Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by nine percent in an attempt to limit Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage, while each player was allowed just one serve.
“I think I would definitely do it again,” she said ahead of the Brisbane International, her season opener as she prepares for the Australian Open on January 18.
“I like revenge, I don’t like to just let it go.”
While Sabalenka is eager to face Kyrgios again, she said she wants a full match and two serves.
“I think we’re going to have a different format for the next game,” she said.
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“I didn’t realize before the game that I had to make adjustments, and that was a little tricky for me. I thought I would keep the full court, but I would serve two balls. It will put us at a higher level.”
“I always say when you lose, you learn, and I learned a lot from his game,” she added. “I would do it again. I need revenge.”
The match bore little resemblance to the landmark “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973 between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
At the time, the fledgling women’s professional tour founded by King faced more risks, fighting for legitimacy and prize money for female players being far less than that for male players.
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King, one of the greatest players in the history of women’s tennis and in her prime, defeated the then top player, 55-year-old Riggs, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
Sabalenka’s showdown with Kyrgios was met with backlash, with some calling it a “money grab” while others said it would do nothing to advance the women’s game.
But Sabalenka said she thinks exhibition tennis, like the Kyrgios match, is important.
“I think it’s really important for tennis to keep it interesting, fresh, new, interesting,” she said.
She added that she was proud of her performance in the Battle of the Sexes, even though Kyrgios has barely competed in recent years and is ranked 671st.
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“I’m glad I was able to challenge him and make him work and make him physically tired and mentally tired,” she said.
“It’s exciting to see a guy get tired and finish a race with all his heart. It’s a really cool experience.”
The Brisbane International kicks off on Sunday, with Sabalenka aiming for a third Australian Open title after winning in 2023 and 2024. She was defeated by Madison Keys in the final at Melbourne Park last year.
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