Australian Kyrgios beat the Belarusian 6-3, 6-3 in a highly publicized showdown in Dubai last Sunday, with modified rules dividing fans.
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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,” he said ahead of the Brisbane International, his season-opening tournament as he prepares for the Australian Open on Jan. 18.
“I love revenge and I don’t like leaving things as they are.”
While she wanted to face Kyrgios again, Sabalenka said she would want a full court and two serves.
“I think for the next game we will come up with a different format,” he said.
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“Before the match I didn’t realize that I would have to adapt and it was a little complicated for me. I think I would keep the whole court but take two serves. That would equalize our level much more.
“I always say that when you lose you learn and I learned a lot about his game,” he added. “I would do it again. I need revenge.”
The feud bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Back then, the stakes were higher with the nascent women’s pro tour, created by King, fighting for legitimacy and much smaller prize money for female players than for men.
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King, one of women’s soccer’s all-time greats who was at the peak of her powers, beat Riggs, 55, one of the greatest players of her era, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
The Sabalenka-Kyrgios clash faced backlash, with some calling it a “money grab” while others said it did little to advance women’s football.
But Sabalenka said she felt exhibition tennis, like Kyrgios’ contest, was important.
“I think it’s very important that tennis stays interesting, fresh, new, fun,” he said.
She added that she was proud of her participation in the “Battle of the Sexes”, even though Kyrgios barely played in recent years and was ranked lowly 671st.
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“I’m happy that I was able to challenge him, make him work and make him tired physically and mentally,” he said.
“I was really excited to see a guy get tired and play his full game. It was a really cool experience.”
The Brisbane International begins on Sunday with Sabalenka aiming for a third Australian Open title after winning in 2023 and 2024. She was defeated in the final at Melbourne Park last year by Madison Keys.
MP/CEG