World top-ranked women’s player Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka said she wants a rematch of her “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition game against Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
“I think I would definitely do it again,” said Sabalenka ahead of the Brisbane International, her season-opening tournament as the World No. 1 prepares for the Australian Open, which starts from January 18.
Sabalenka said she would like to get revenge on Kyrgios after losing 6-3, 6-3 in the “Battle of Sexes” event in Dubai.
“I love revenge and I don’t like to leave it the way it is.”
The Battle of Sexes event modified the typical rules of tennis that divided the fans. Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced in size by nine percent in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage, while each player only received one serve.
Sabalenka also said she would want a full court and two serves this time.
“I think for the next match we will come up with a different format. Before the match I didn’t realise I would have to adjust and it was a bit tricky for me. I think I would keep the full court but I would take two serves. That would even our level a lot more.” she said.
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“I always say that when you are losing, you are learning and I learned a lot about his game. I would do it again. I need revenge,” she added.
The Sabalenka-Kyrgios showdown faced backlash, with some calling it a “money grab” while others said it did little to promote the women’s game. But Sabalenka felt that the exhibition tennis game was important. “I think it’s really important for tennis to keep it interesting, keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun,” she said.
“I am happy that I was able to challenge him, make him work and make him physically get tired and mentally get tired. I felt really excited to see a man getting tired and going for his full game. It was a really cool experience,” added Sabalenka.
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