Sabalenka: "The attention generated by this match is not less than that of a Grand Slam final"

Carlos Navarro | 29 Dec 2025 | 12.19

Sabalenka defends herself from negative comments following the Battle of the Sexes. Source: Getty

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Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the main protagonists of a lively week in the tennis world. The Belarusian was a key part of an event that has captured the attention of even those who don't usually watch tennis: her explosive duel with Nick Kyrgios in Dubai had all the ingredients to polarize a good part of society, and the result, with a clear defeat of 3-6 and 3-6, was the perfect spark to ignite the fuse.

Nevertheless, the Minsk native is unable to find any negative aspects to an experience she has enjoyed from start to finish. Does Aryna understand all those who have fiercely criticized her for conceiving and being part of this new Battle of the Sexes? Has this event been negative and harmful to tennis, especially women's tennis? All these questions were posed in a press conference where Sabalenka held nothing back, pointing especially at all those who have poured fierce criticism on this experience.

Sabalenka questioned the audience after the Battle of the Sexes and defended that the attention generated was similar to that of a Grand Slam final

- Feelings after a match and an experience that left its mark

"I think I have had an incredible experience, from my entrance to the court to facing him... I am very proud of myself, for being as brave as to expose myself to this and show this level of tennis. Yes, I have talked too much today, something I don't usually do (laughs) in my tennis life, but I had a great time... and I think we have shown the world that a tennis event can be fun, interesting, unpredictable. My only goal was for everyone here or watching on television to enjoy it. I hope they did."

For my part, I had an amazing time. I enjoyed it. I love these challenges. Playing against a man, the number of drop shots he gave me... it was an interesting physical workout, and I am proud to have handled most of them (smiles). My next days will be relaxed mobility training, for sure. Jokes aside, I enjoyed it. I would love to do it again. I love rematches, I would definitely put myself in the eye of the storm again."

- Facing Nick Kyrgios and adjusting as the match progressed

"He is a great player, no doubt. A tough opponent. It's true that he has his weak points, like everyone, but during the match, he was just constantly trying to push myself. I had some great advice, Karen Khachanov was giving me some of it, and after this, I now know how to play against Nick a little better. It's been an incredible experience."

- A detailed analysis on the differences she found when facing Kyrgios

"He considers himself an unpredictable player, but honestly, I could see his patterns clearly. The thing is, his physical abilities are much better: he's faster and stronger, also in terms of acceleration. Still, it was fun. It has been great preparation for the upcoming season. Physically, I am ready, and in terms of tennis, I believe I showed a great level today, which is what matters."

- The court dimensions also surprised her: she was hitting several feet behind the baseline, being on her shorter side

"Until yesterday, I didn't realize I had to adjust my serve. I thought it was him who had to adjust everything, but I realized I had to serve closer to the net, and I wasn't comfortable with it at all. I was adjusting all the time, trying to find the kick, but I think that's what made the difference today. Seeing the court this way... was different, yes. I know maybe it was tougher for him, but I didn't expect it to be so tough for me as well."

- Negative comments about this event

"Honestly, I don't understand how people can find negatives in this event. Regarding the WTA, I think I showed that I was able to play at a high level, it was an entertaining match; yes, he won, but it was a competitive duel, not a 6-0, 6-0. It was a contested, fun, interesting match to watch, it has drawn many eyes to this sport, gathered several legends, many important people sent me messages saying they would be watching the match... so I think we have brought more attention to our sport."

I truly cannot see this as something negative. The idea behind this is for tennis to grow and to show it from a different perspective, teaching people that a tennis event can be fun, entertaining, and we can even build something almost as big as a Grand Slam match. The attention we have generated with this event, I believe, has not been less than what a Grand Slam final would have."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka: "La atención que ha generado este partido no es inferior a la de una final de Grand Slam"

Aryna Sabalenka