Aryna Sabalenka takes a brutal dig at Nick Kyrgios after Battle of the Sexes loss
NewsMonday, 29 December 2025 at 21:08
Aryna Sabalenka's defeat to Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes contest did not stop her from engaging in fighting talk afterward.
Sabalenka and Kyrgios's match, which had been rumored for several months before finally being scheduled and played in Dubai on Sunday, was opposed by many, but others liked the concept and the attention it brought to tennis.
Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3, and many deemed the occasion underwhelming. Although the WTA world No. 1 hit some blistering winners, Kyrgios won the match comfortably despite his female opponent having a bigger court to hit into.
The Australian also did not seem fully fit. Some think Sabalenka's winning six games was positive for women's tennis, but others feel her relatively comprehensive loss against Kyrgios, who was playing well below his peak, did not serve the WTA Tour well.
Kyrgios also prevailed despite consistently using the drop shot. His persistent use of it may have indicated that he did not feel able for lengthy rallies, but that did not stop him from leaving the court victorious.
Despite being unable to win, Sabalenka took a dig at Kyrgios's predictability in her post-match press conference. This year's US Open champion said she knew what his strategy was, and that the 30-year-old's superior physical abilities as a man were the reason he triumphed.
"I mean, he called himself an unpredictable player, but, honestly, I could see pretty much everything. It's just that his physical abilities are much higher, and he was much faster and stronger, with the acceleration and everything."
Although Sabalenka and Kyrgios have a good, light-hearted relationship, her words might sting him a little. The 2022 Wimbledon men's singles runner-up enjoys being seen as a player who mixes things up and leaves opponents dumbfounded with his variety.
Aryna Sabalenka thinks her match with Nick Kyrgios was ideal preparation for the new season
Many online fans were unimpressed with the quality of play in Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes victory over Aryna Sabalenka. After much hype, neither player consistently performed at an outstanding level, despite some flashes of brilliance.
Nonetheless, Sabalenka thinks the contest was a good way to get ready for 2026. She outlined that position during her post-match press conference in Dubai, also mentioning that the match was a good experience.
"That was fun, and it was great preparation for the season. I feel like physically I am more than ready, and tennis-wise, I pulled out a great level, which always matters."
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Although some would dispute that Sabalenka played consistently well against Kyrgios, the experience of playing a male player is unique preparation for the new season and might provide her with some benefits.
Sabalenka will try to regain her Australian Open women's singles title when the 2026 edition begins in a few weeks. She had won the previous two iterations before losing a very close final against Madison Keys almost 12 months ago.
The world No. 1's 2025 season was exceptional, but also a missed opportunity. Sabalenka had a realistic chance of winning all four Grand Slams, which would have been one of the best achievements in tennis history.
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