Aryna Sabalenka wants 'different format' in planned rematch against Nick Kyrgios
NewsFriday, 02 January 2026 at 16:30
The mixed reaction to Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes match has not stopped the WTA world No. 1 from wanting a rematch with a revamped format.
Kyrgios overcame Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3. Although there were flashes of brilliance from both players, the affair was not consistently intense and high-quality from each of them, leaving some fans underwhelmed.
Speaking afterward, Sabalenka said she wanted revenge by playing Kyrgios again. Both players also defended the concept, with Kyrgios arguing that the Belarusian competing against him and winning some games was good for women's tennis.
Although her desire for a rematch was obvious after stepping off the court, Sabalenka did not delve into how she would tweak the format until an interview ahead of her appearance at the 2026 Brisbane International.
Sabalenka had a bigger court to hit into against Kyrgios, and each had one serve. The four-time Grand Slam champion said giving her two serves and keeping the court dimensions the same would work better. Her comments can be watched in the video below.
"I think I would definitely do it again. I love revenges and I don't like to leave it the way it is. And I think for the next match we'll come up with a different format because before the match, I didn't realise that I have to adjust as well and it was a bit tricky for me as well."
"I think that I would still keep the full court for Nick [Kyrgios], but I would take two serves, that would even our level a bit more. As I always say, you're not losing, you're learning. And I learned a lot about this game. Now I know better Nick as a player and as a person as well, so I feel like I know how to play against him. We will do it again, I need the revenge."
Although impossible to know for certain, Sabalenka's proposed changes would likely suit her better. It was challenging for the WTA world No. 1 to consistently compete in rallies with Kyrgios, but her powerful serve could generate a decent number of free points against the Australian's mediocre return.
Aryna Sabalenka took a dig at Nick Kyrgios despite losing their Battle of the Sexes match
Nick Kyrgios was a pretty comfortable winner in his exhibition against Aryna Sabalenka. However, that did not stop the WTA star from taking a brutal jab at his playing style that might have irritated the 30-year-old.
Kyrgios is known for being one of the most unpredictable players who can mix up his game, but, speaking after the match, Sabalenka claimed that she knew where almost every ball was going and found him easy to read.
The two-time US Open women's singles champion feels that Kyrgios's superior speed and power were why he won, heavily implying that she feels her tennis IQ is better than his, but he benefited from in-built physical advantages as a man.
It should surprise no one that Sabalenka, one of the feistiest competitors ever seen in tennis, is still not backing down despite being defeated by Kyrgios.
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