Sabalenka lays out rules for Kyrgios Battle of the Sexes rematch after losing | Tennis | Sport

Aryna Sabalenka has already shared her wish for a rematch with Nick Kyrgios after losing to the Australian in a Battle of the Sexes last week. The WTA No. 1 faced Kyrgios – who has been ranked as high as No. 13 in the world but slipped outside of the top 600 after years of injury struggles – in an exhibition match in Dubai last week, losing 6-3 6-3 in 70 minutes.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios, who are signed to the same agency, spent months building up to their woman vs man clash, billed as the fourth iteration of the Battle of the Sexes. Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios looked out of breath after some rallies, having not played an official match since March, but sealed a straight-set victory.

Now, four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka wants revenge. Last week’s Battle of the Sexes was played with some modifications, as the court was nine per cent smaller on Sabalenka’s side, and both players only had one serve instead of two. But the world No. 1 would want some new rules for their next match.

Speaking ahead of her title defence at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka said: “I think I would definitely do it again. I love revenges and I don’t like to leave it the way it is. And I think for the next match we’ll come up with a different format.

“Because before the match, I didn’t realise that I have to adjust as well and it was a bit tricky for me as well. I think that I would still give the full court for Nick, but I would take two serves, I think that would even our level a bit more.

“And as I always say, you’re not losing, you’re learning. And I learned a lot about this game. Now I know better Nick as a player and as a person as well, so I feel like I know how to play against him. I would do it again, I need the revenge.”

And Kyrgios clearly seems up for the challenge. “IM IN,” the current world No. 671 tweeted on Friday.

For now, Kyrgios is focused on his return to official competition. The Aussie has been sidelined by knee and wrist injuries for the better part of three years. He made a comeback in early 2025, but played just five singles matches across four tournaments, with his last match coming in March.

The 30-year-old has been given a wildcard into the singles and doubles draws at the upcoming ATP 250 event in Brisbane, where he’ll partner up with Thanasi Kokkinakis, who is returning from surgery.