Aryna Sabalenka (photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images for Tennis Australia) World number one Aryna Sabalenka has hinted she is keen for revenge against Nick Kyrgios after the Australian defeated her in their much-talked about ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match. The high-profile clash took place in Dubai on Sunday, with Kyrgios winning 6-3, 6-3 in a contest that attracted significant attention for its intensity and fun. However, the match was played under modified conditions, with the court reduced by nine percent to compensate for differences in movement and speed between male and female players. Looking back on the encounter, Sabalenkova admitted that she would have approached the second encounter differently, especially when it came to the format. Belarus said on Thursday ahead of their title defense at the Brisbane International that they would prefer a full-sized court and modified serving rules if the match was replayed. “I think I would definitely do it again. I love the rematch and I don’t like to leave it as it is. I think we will come up with a different format for the next match. I didn’t realize before the match that I would have to adapt and it was a little tricky for me. I think I would have kept the full court, but I would have taken two serves. That would have leveled our level a lot more,” Sabalenka. She explained that the experience, despite ending in defeat, helped her understand Kyrgios’ game better and gave her confidence that she could improve in the rematch. “I always say when you lose you learn and I learned a lot about his game. I know Nick better as a player and a person and I feel I know how to play against him. I would do it again. I need revenge,” she added. Sabalenka was also positive about the contest, saying she was glad to have tested Kyrgios physically and mentally. She described the match as a nice challenge and wished him the best of luck ahead of his upcoming appearances in Brisbane and the Australian Open. “I’m happy that I was able to challenge him and make him work and make him get tired physically and mentally. I felt really excited to see a man get tired and go all out. It was a really great experience and I really hope he does well here in Brisbane and plays some incredible tennis at the Australian Open,” she said.
