"I love revenge and I don't like to leave it the way it is" - Sabalenka hints at Battle of the Sexes rematch with certain format changes

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has hinted that she would be up for a rematch against Nick Kyrgios following her Battle of the Sexes defeat. However, there would also be a few changes to the format.

The contest between the pair was very contentious, with many tennis fans and pundits sharing their criticisms about it. This did not stop it from going ahead, with it inspired by previous matches under the 'Battle of the Sexes' name. The most famous one was the second instalment, when Billie Jean King picked up a seismic win for women's rights, defeating Bobby Riggs in straight sets in a best of five matchup.

The tie between Sabalenka and Kyrgios was the fourth, and it firmly went the way of Kyrgios. This was despite the disadvantage he had, Sabalenka's side of the court 9% smaller than his and just one first serve allowed. As expected, the Aussie proved too strong for Sabalenka, winning 6-3, 6-3.

Speaking ahead of the warm-up event for the Australian Open, the Belarusian was intensely questioned about the Battle of the Sexes, with the match coming just a few days ago after months of speculation. While it was meant as a one-off event, Sabalenka would be happy to do it again, targeting a change in fortunes. "I think I would definitely do it again," she said. "I love revenge and I don't like to leave it the way it is."

Nevertheless, the four-time Grand Slam champion wanted changes in the format, reverting to a more traditional method of playing the sport. "I think for the next match we will come up with a different format," she stated. "Before the match I didn't realise I would have to adjust, and it was a bit tricky for me. I think I would keep the full court, but I would take two serves. That would even our level a lot more.

If there is a next time, Sabalenka is prepared to utilise the knowledge and lessons learnt to get one over Kyrgios. "I always say that when you are losing, you are learning, and I learned a lot about his game. I would do it again. I need revenge," she boldly commented.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios have both been very firm in their praises for the event, pushing back any criticism coming their way. With the match done and dusted, the echoes of disapproval are still swirling around. The 27-year-old believes that these type of exhibitions are needed to keep the sport interesting and fresh.

"I think it's really important for tennis to keep it interesting, keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun," she said. "I am happy that I was able to challenge him, make him work and make him physically get tired and mentally get tired. I felt really excited to see a man getting tired and going for his full game. It was a really cool experience."

With 2025 firmly in the past, 2026 brings more opportunities for Sabalenka as she looks to continue making strides on the WTA Tour. She made three Grand Slam finals and WTA Finals final last year, but won just one of them in the US Open. This form has seen her cement her position as the world number one ahead of the competition, but will need to continue her imperious form to stay there. She will start her year in the Brisbane International from January 5-11, with seven of the top 10 involved. She will then traverse back to Melbourne where she has high expectations to regain her Australian Open title after losing out to Madison Keys last year. The first Grand Slam of 2026 will take place from January 18 - February 1.