Aryna Sabalenka was defeated 6-3, 6-3 by Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes clash in Dubai.
WTA number one Sabalenka didn’t pay attention to the critics of her meeting with Kyrgios, of which there were many.
Like Sabalenka, Kyrgios hit back at critics of the Battle of the Sexes match, in which both players were allowed just one serve each.
Another major rule change from regular tennis involved Sabalenka’s side of the court being 9% smaller than her opponent’s.
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Aryna Sabalenka thanks fans after match against Nick Kyrgios
The latter change ultimately didn’t matter, although ATP icon Kyrgios was troubled by Sabalenka at times en route to his routine win.
The WTA star has now issued an update on social media following her loss, writing on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone that came out to support!
“I hope we were able to keep you entertained. This match was good practice before the new season begins.
“Speaking of… I might have to take this jacket with me in the 2026 season. Up next Australian Open.”
The Australian Open returns to the calendar in mid-January, with Sabalenka having reached each of the last three finals, winning two.
Will Nick Kyrgios join Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open?
Turning up in a stunning sparkly jacket, Sabalenka seemingly really enjoyed her test against Kyrgios, and the same can be said for the Australian ace.
It was, however, tricky for the Belarusian to be as aggressive as she would have liked given that she only had one serve.
That area of her game is a real strength, with Sabalenka’s frustration at a lack of second serve often rearing its head.
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But she will now turn her focus to the Australian Open in Melbourne, where Kyrgios will be desperate to join the world number one.
Kyrgios has received a Brisbane International wildcard, but is currently in a waiting game for the same situation playing out for the Australian Open.
He has never made it beyond the quarterfinals of his home Grand Slam in singles, but clinched the doubles titles with Thanasi Kokkinakis in 2022.
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