Overview
- Aryna Sabalenka opened her Brisbane International title defense with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Cristina Bucsa to advance.
- She said some people "got it wrong," describing the Dubai event with Nick Kyrgios as fun promotion rather than a referendum on the women’s game.
- Sabalenka called the showcase valuable preparation, noting Kyrgios’ frequent drop shots and the higher intensity as strong fitness work.
- Played on December 28 in Dubai, the exhibition ended 6-3, 6-3 to Kyrgios and drew widespread attention and discussion across tennis.
- Organisers Evolve employed modified rules, including a 9% smaller court on Sabalenka’s side and a one-serve limit for both players, citing movement data.