World number one Aryna Sabalenka has signalled that she is eager for a rematch against Nick Kyrgios after being beaten by the Australian in their widely discussed “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match. The high-profile clash took place in Dubai on Sunday, where Kyrgios claimed a 6-3, 6-3 win in a contest that drew significant attention for its intensity and entertainment value. The match, however, was played under modified conditions, with the court reduced by nine per cent to balance differences in movement and speed between male and female players. Looking back on the encounter, Sabalenka admitted she would approach a second meeting differently, especially when it comes to the format. Speaking on Thursday ahead of her Brisbane International title defence, the Belarusian said she would favour a full-sized court and adjusted serving rules if the matchup were to be repeated. “I think I would definitely do it again. I love revenge, and I don’t like to leave it the way it is. 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,” Sabalenka said. She explained that the experience, despite ending in defeat, helped her understand Kyrgios’ game better and left her confident that she could improve in a rematch. “I always say that when you are losing, you are learning and I learned a lot about his game. I know Nick as a player and a person better and I feel I know how to play against him. I would do it again. I need revenge,” she added. Sabalenka also reflected positively on the contest, saying she was pleased to have tested Kyrgios physically and mentally. She described the match as an enjoyable challenge and wished him well ahead of his upcoming appearances in Brisbane and at the Australian Open. “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 and I really hope he will do well here in Brisbane and play incredible tennis in the Australian Open,” she said.
