Article by David Istrate – Published on Thursday, 01 January 2026 17:14 / Updated on Thursday, 01 January 2026 17:15
A few days after being defeated by Nick Kyrgios (30 years, 671 ATP) in the “Battle of the Sexes”, Aryna Sabalenka (27 years, 1 WTA) declared that she wants the rematch and proposed some format changes to make the duel more balanced.
On Sunday, December 28, Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios squared off at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai in an exhibition match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes.” The world leader clearly lost to the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, score 6-3, 6-3, the game lasting one hour and 17 minutes.
Aryna Sabalenka, prepared for a new duel with Nick Kyrgios: “I would do it again, without hesitation”
The match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios has attracted a lot of criticism, both from the tennis world and from journalists, the main criticism being that this duel is not good for women's tennis.
The WTA world leader stated that she does not understand people who find something negative in the event in Dubai and that the idea was “to help tennis grow and show it from a different perspective, that tennis events can be fun and exciting.”
Recently, Sabalenka offered a new statement revealing that she would be willing to play Kyrgios again.
“I think I would do it again without hesitation. I need rematch. I don't like to leave things unresolved“, said the Belarusian.
Sabalenka also listed some format changes that would balance the game. In the Dec. 28 match, the 27-year-old's court was reduced by 9 percent, taking into account a study that looked at the speed differences between men's and women's tennis.
Moreover, if in the confrontation in Dubai both players had only one serve at their disposal, Sabalenka wants to have two serves at their disposal in the next meeting, just like in the official matches.
“I think we will propose a different format for the next match. Before the game, I didn't realize that I would have to adjust and I found it a bit difficult. I think I would keep the field full, but I would have two services. That would balance the level a lot more“, concluded the US Open champion, quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
