WTA star Aryna Sabalenka took part in the fourth edition of the “Battle of the Sexes” matchup against Australian star Nick Kyrgios, serving an entertaining and highly anticipated match to the audiences at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. After the game, Sabalenka shared her positive thoughts, highlighting that she played well, enjoyed the challenge, and feels ready for her 2026 season amid her revenge notion.
Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Her Revenge Take After Facing Nick Kyrgios in “Battle of the Sexes”
The current World No. 1, Sabalenka, competed in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ edition against the current World No. 671 and lost the match with a final score of 6-3, 6-3. The rules of the game were modified to ensure a fair outcome, and both players delivered a thrilling, entertaining, and notable exhibition match.
Sabalenka, who has concluded her 2025 season on a high note, delivered an impressive performance against the Australian, considering the natural disadvantages. She entered the match after winning four singles titles, including the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Brisbane International, and the Grand Slam US Open in her season.
Apart from these feats, she secured her Year-End No. 1 honours for the second time at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and also reached eight finals. Memorably, Sabalenka entered the match flaunting a silver glittering trench coat to the beats of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and had danced to ‘Macarena’ when Kyrgios took a timeout during the match.
Furthermore, after the match, Sabalenka shared positive views, highlighting how she loved the challenge and felt impressed by her game against a male player. She also shared her thoughts on a rematch and revenge.
“I felt great. I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I’m happy to see the guy is getting tight when taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level. I really enjoyed the show. I think… not I think… I feel like next time I play him, I already know the tactic. I know his strength and weaknesses. It’s gonna be a better match for sure. Yeah. I love revenge,” Sabalenka added.
Aryna Sabalenka after losing to Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes match
Aryna: “I felt great. I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I’m happy to see the guy is getting tight when taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great… pic.twitter.com/HlfkIsMemg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 28, 2025
She continued the apparent differences of competing against a male player, and how she feels ready to compete for her 2026 titles.
She mentioned, “I love to challenge myself. I would love to play again. Of course it felt different. The court is different. I had to do a couple adjustments. Obviously playing against a guy is completely different tennis. Everything much faster. It was a great fitness for me today. I hope for the next couple days, I’ll have great recovery and great days off. After this match, I’m pretty much ready for the season.”
The victor, Kyrgios, made his comeback to the court with this exhibition match after the Mubadala Citi DC Open, having struggled in his past two seasons due to wrist issues.
