Nick Kyrgios returned to our television screens on Sunday evening when he contested a Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Kyrgios, ranked 671st in the world, defeated the women’s world number one 6-3, 6-3 in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite its billing, the event ended up being a rather soulless affair, devoid of the intensity and spectacle that made the 1973 Battle of the Sexes match such an intriguing encounter.
What was your opinion on the Battle of the Sexes match?
For Kyrgios, the match in Dubai represented his latest opportunity to prove that he is ready to return to competitive play on the ATP Tour following a nine-month absence.
The Australian, who reached as high as 13 in the world in his pomp, did little to convince Australian Open organisers that he is deserving of a wildcard spot.
Nick Kyrgios did not look physically ready to participate in a Grand Slam event
Part of the reason why the Battle of the Sexes failed to inspire was due to a lack of intensity on the court.
Kyrgios appeared to be struggling physically throughout the contest, seemingly unable to produce a level of intensity many fans would have hoped for.
The physical standards needed to play on the ATP Tour are extremely high, and Kyrgios looks far from ready to meet those demands.
Kyrgios is scheduled to play in the Brisbane International, which starts on January 4. Based on what we witnessed on Sunday, Kyrgios will need to improve his fitness drastically if he is to win a match in the Australian city.
As for the Australian Open, Kyrgios’ performance will have certainly not helped his chances of receiving a wildcard spot.
Kyrgios looked to be in pole position to receive the final wildcard for the Men’s Singles draw. However, after his performance in Dubai, one can conclude that his chances of receiving a wildcard have dipped.
Which two players in tennis history would you like to see in a Battle of the Sexes match?
The 2026 Australian Open wildcards
So far, five players have received wildcard places for the 2026 Australian Open Men’s Singles main draw.
James Duckworth and Rinky Hijikata are the two Australian stars who have received wildcard spots. Hijikata was the last player to defeat Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
Yunchaokete Bu, Patrick Kypson and Kyrian Jacquet have also received wildcards.
Kyrgios will be hoping he can land one of the final wildcard spots. However, his chances may have also been damaged by Stan Wawrinka’s retirement announcement.
The 2014 Australian Open champion will undoubtedly be keen to play in front of the Australian crowds for one final time before retiring in 2026.
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