Overview
- Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in Dubai under modified rules that shrank her court by 9% and allowed only one serve per point.
- Sabalenka says she wants a rematch and proposes a full court with two serves to narrow the gap after learning from the first meeting.
- She argued that exhibitions keep the sport fresh and fun, pushing back on claims the event hurt the women’s game.
- Critics including Rennae Stubbs and Greg Rusedski dismissed the fixture as a money grab that risked undervaluing women’s tennis.
- Sabalenka, Kyrgios, and Mirra Andreeva are slated for the Brisbane International from January 4, with Kyrgios receiving a wildcard and Andreeva praising Sabalenka’s display.