Overview
- Nick Kyrgios beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in Dubai under modified rules that shrank her court by nine percent and limited both players to one serve.
- Sabalenka said she wants a do-over with a full court and two serves, adding that she learned from the first meeting and is seeking revenge.
- The world No. 1 begins her season at the Brisbane International on January 4, with Kyrgios entering via wildcard, before the Australian Open starts on January 18.
- Mirra Andreeva welcomed Sabalenka’s exhibition outing and said she is eager to renew their rivalry in Brisbane, which features seven of the WTA top 10 including Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys.
- Pundits offered early forecasts, with Greg Rusedski tipping Rybakina for Wimbledon and not ruling out an Australian Open run, while Andy Roddick called Iga Swiatek a perennial title contender.