Sabalenka: "The attention that this match has generated is not less than that of a Grand Slam final" Sabalenka: "L'attention que ce match a suscitée n'est pas inférieure à celle d'une finale de Grand Chelem"

Aryna Sabalenka has been one of the major protagonists of an eventful 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 clash with Nick Kyrgios in Dubai had all the ingredients to polarize a good portion of society, and the outcome, with a clear defeat by 3-6 and 3-6, was the perfect spark to ignite the fuse.

Nevertheless, the player from Minsk is unable to find any negatives in an experience she has enjoyed from beginning to end. Does Aryna understand all those who have fiercely criticized her for devising and being part of this new Battle of the Sexes? Has this event been negative and detrimental to tennis, especially women's tennis? These are all questions raised in a press conference where Sabalenka held nothing back, particularly targeting all those who have fiercely criticized this experience.

Sabalenka questioned the public 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 a mark

"I think I have had an incredible experience, from stepping onto the court to facing him... I am very proud of myself for being brave enough to expose myself to this and to have been able to show this level of tennis. Yes, I have talked too much until 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, and unpredictable. My only goal was for everyone who came here or was watching on TV to enjoy it. I hope they did."

For my part, I had an incredible time. I enjoyed it. I love these challenges. Playing against a man, the number of drop shots he hit me with... it was an interesting physical training, and I am proud to have reached the majority (smiles). My next few days will be relaxed mobility workouts, certainly. 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."

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- Facing Nick Kyrgios and adjusting as the match progressed

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

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

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

- The court dimensions also surprised her: she served several feet behind the baseline, as it was her shorter side

"Until yesterday, I didn't realize that 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 didn't feel comfortable with it at all. I was adjusting all the time, trying to find the kick, but I think it's something that made the difference today. Seeing the court this way... it was different, yes. I know that maybe it was harder for him, but I didn't expect it to be so challenging for me either."

- Negative comments about this event

"Honestly, I don't understand how people can find negative aspects 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 match, not a 6-0 and 6-0. It was a hard-fought, fun, interesting match to watch, it has attracted many eyes to this sport, it has brought together several legends, many important people have sent me messages saying they would be watching the match... so I think we have brought more attention to our sport."

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

This 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"