Sabalenka Claims "Battle of the Sexes" Match Elevated Her Fitness

Aryna Sabalenka Continues Journey Toward Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka believes her exhibition match "Battle of the Sexes" against Nick Kyrgios positively impacted her preparations for the Grand Slam season. The world number one defeated Cristina Bucsa at the Brisbane International tournament, showcasing complete dominance. Sabalenka triumphed over the Spanish player with a score of 6-0, 6-1 in just 48 minutes, advancing to the third round of the competition in Queensland, Australia.

The first set concluded in a mere 22 minutes, while the second lasted 26 minutes, with Bucsa unable to respond to Sabalenka's powerful play.

This decisive victory against the world number 50 sends a warning to her rivals in Melbourne, where she aims to secure her third Australian Open title in four years. Sabalenka noted that her strong performance in her first match of the season demonstrates the value of the exhibition match in Dubai, held on December 28, where she faced Kyrgios.

"When you play against a man, the intensity is completely different," she stated. "Especially when it comes to Nick, who hits short balls every other shot; you move a lot, so it was excellent training for me." Sabalenka added that the match was enjoyable and a beautiful challenge, contributing to the popularization of tennis.

Her next opponent will be either Jelena Ostapenko or Sorana Cîrstea, and Sabalenka is on track for a potential matchup against Madison Keys in the quarterfinals, seeking revenge after losing to the American in last year's Australian Open final.