Aryna Sabalenka immediately calls for rematch after being thrashed in Battle of the Sexes | Tennis | Sport

Aryna Sabalenka declared that she would be open to a rematch after losing to Nick Kyrgios in the Battle of the Sexes event. There was a clear gulf in class between the two players as Kyrgios cruised to a 6-3 6-3 victory, throwing in a few underarm serves along the way. Sabalenka hit some brilliant shots and was clearly fired up for the match, but was unable to score a victory for women’s tennis on this occasion.

She received a standing ovation from the Dubai crowd after Kyrgios hit the winning point and wasted no time in demanding a rematch in her on-court interview. Sabalenka looked upbeat in spite of the crushing nature of her loss and insisted that she would be willing to face Kyrgios again in the future.

“I felt great, I think I put up a great fight,” she said. “He was struggling, he got really tired. I think it was a great level, I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots. Really enjoyed the show.

“Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure. I love to challenge myself and I’d love to play again.”

The match was played on a special court which was smaller on Sabalenka’s side. Both players were only allowed one serve as opposed to the usual two, which the 27-year-old struggled with at times.

“It felt different, the court was different,” she explained. “Obviously playing against a guy is different, everything is much faster.

“I hope for the next couple of days I will have great recovery, I’m pretty much ready for the season and I hope I will bring great tennis.”

Kyrgios also expressed an interest in a potential rematch, saying that he was feeling emotional and that he was just thankful to be back on the court after plenty of long injury lay-offs.

The outspoken Aussie also denied easing off in the second set, insisting that he needed to lock in to deal with the threat posed by the world’s top-ranked female player.

“Honestly it was a really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion,” said Kyrgios. “I didn’t really know what to expect. Whatever role I was to play, it was just another great opportunity to go out here.

“She broke my serve numerous times and I had to strap in. Honestly, I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank. Ultimately, it was a really hard-fought battle and there was breaks back and forward.

“Seeing someone as great as Sabalenka out here and myself, it truly is a spectacle, and a great stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis. Of course I was nervous. Not many people would have put their hand up to be in this position.

“She was up for the challenge and the scoreline was close. This was all the world was talking about for the last six months.

“I’m just glad, from where I was, I wasn’t able to use my right hand. To even get back out here and compete with Sabalenka, honestly it’s emotional.”