BRISBANE: World number one Aryna Sabalenka Thursday said she wants a rematch of her “Battle of the Sexes” showdown with Nick Kyrgios so she can get revenge.
Australia’s Kyrgios beat the Belarusian 6-3, 6-3 in a highly-publicized showdown in Dubai last Sunday, with modified rules that divided fans.
Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced in size by nine percent in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage, while each player only received one serve.
“I think I would definitely do it again,” she said ahead of the Brisbane International, her season-opening tournament as she prepares for the Australian Open on January 18.
“I love revenge and I don’t like to leave it the way it is.”
While keen to face-off with Kyrgios again, Sabalenka said she would want a full court and two serves.
“I think for the next match we will come up with a different format,” she said.
“Before the match I didn’t realize 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.
“I always say that when you are losing, you are learning and I learned a lot about his game,” she added. “I would do it again. I need revenge.”
The contest bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women’s professional tour, set up by King, fighting for legitimacy and prize money for female players far lower than for the men.
King, one of the all-time greats of the women’s game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
The Sabalenka-Kyrgios showdown faced backlash, with some calling it a “money grab” while others said it did little to advance the women’s game.
But Sabalenka said she felt exhibition tennis, like the Kyrgios contest, was important.
“I think it’s really important for tennis to keep it interesting, keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun,” she said.
She added that she was proud of her part in the “Battle of the Sexes,” despite Kyrgios barely playing in recent years and ranked a lowly 671.
“I am happy that I was able to challenge him, make him work and make him physically get tired and mentally get tired,” she said.
“I felt really excited to see a man getting tired and going for his full game. It was a really cool experience.”
The Brisbane International starts on Sunday with Sabalenka’s sights set on a third Australian Open title after winning in 2023 and 2024. She was beaten in the Melbourne Park final last year by Madison Keys.
Sabalenka wants ‘Battle of the Sexes’ rematch and revenge
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Sabalenka wants ‘Battle of the Sexes’ rematch and revenge
- World number one Aryna Sabalenka Thursday said she wants a rematch of her “Battle of the Sexes” showdown with Nick Kyrgios so she can get revenge
Rabiot double lifts Milan after early scare at Como
- Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points
COMO, Italy: AC Milan came from behind to earn a 3-1 victory at Como on Thursday, with Adrien Rabiot scoring twice to keep the away side in the Serie A title race.
Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points.
Como made the brighter start and took the lead after 10 minutes when Marc-Oliver Kempf rose to head home a corner.
Despite the hosts controlling much of the first half, Milan struck in stoppage time as Christopher Nkunku calmly converted from the penalty spot after Kempf was penalized for pushing Rabiot.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a series of strong saves to keep Como at bay after the break before Milan took the lead in the 55th minute when Rabiot knocked the ball in from close range.
Como were denied an equalizer as Nico Paz saw his effort from outside the box crash against the crossbar. Milan then sealed the win two minutes from time when Rabiot caught the Como defense off guard with a low strike from distance that crept into the bottom corner.
“This was a team victory, we showed our mentality,” Rabiot told DAZN after being named Man of the Match.
“We suffered a lot in the first half, but we talked during the break, came out with a different mentality, we all came out fighting for the three points.
“We gave something extra and I am very happy to score two goals, obviously, but above all I’m pleased with the mentality of the team.”
While Rabiot provided the goals, another Frenchman, goalkeeper Maignan, made his mark with a string of crucial saves.
“We knew that playing here would be difficult, we were well-prepared. We started a little sluggish and they scored, but we managed to keep the game open, and then all together started to play as a team,” Maignan said.
“We know these are great nights for Milan with an atmosphere like this. We suffered, we used up a lot of energy and left it all on the field.”
