Aryna Sabalenka calls out sponsor for making 2026 'not that special'

Aryna Sabalenka has admitted that Nike will not do anything unique for her next year, but there are some longer-term plans.

Sabalenka is passionate about fashion. The WTA world No. 1 has spoken about loving dressing up for photoshoots and being glamorous. She expects to be more involved in fashion in the future years.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is sponsored by Nike, which has provided her with some terrific kits. Sabalenka consistently receives plaudits for being among the best-dressed players at the Grand Slams.

Nike has provided Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner with their own custom logos. Alcaraz debuted his logo at the 2025 ATP Finals, with the global brand knowing how important it is to keep arguably the world's most popular player right now in the ranks.

Speaking at the 2025 WTA Finals, Sabalenka said 2026 would not be a special year for her with Nike, and jokingly asked for pressure to be put on the brand. However, she also said that something more significant was planned for 2027.

Although Sabalenka is undoubtedly being paid handsomely by Nike, the Belarusian's move from IMG to Naomi Osaka's agency, Evolve, at the start of 2025, shows she is not afraid to leave if she is unhappy with those around her.

After much speculation and several public comments from both players about the possibility, a battle of the sexes match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios was announced for December 28th in Dubai.

The concept is best known for producing Billie Jean King's victory against Bobby Riggs in 1973. It was watched by approximately 90 million people worldwide and remains a significant moment for women's tennis.

Riggs, 55 years old at the time, was 26 years older than Jean King. Kyrgios is currently ranked outside the Top 600 after three years of severe injury issues, but the 30-year-old being just three years older than Sabalenka has raised concerns.

Some fear that Kyrgios would easily win if he tried his best. The Australian himself believes he does not have to play at 100% in the match, despite having full respect for Sabalenka and her accomplishments.

Others do not like that Kyrgios might not play at full intensity. Steve Johnson expressed disdain for the match and does not expect Kyrgios to try as hard as he can, which he thinks would make it a pointless spectacle.

The Australian's previous admission that he pushed his girlfriend during an argument is another point of contention. Kyrgios was not convicted despite admitting to it in court, but some think Sabalenka should not associate with someone like him.

Sabalenka responded to the unhappiness by arguing that all the pressure is on Kyrgios since most will expect him to triumph.