Aryna Sabalenka reflects on defeat to Nick Kyrgios in Battle of the Sexes

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Aryna Sabalenka has said that she “loved the challenge” after her exhibition defeat to Nick Kyrgios.

The world number two faced the Australian in the high-profile Battle of the Sexes event that mixed entertainment with genuine competition.

Although she lost in straight sets, Sabalenka impressed with her willingness to test herself against a faster pace.

The match offered a different kind of contest, one that pushed both players to showcase touch and creativity rather than tour-level intensity.

Her reflections after the defeat captured both confidence and curiosity about what she learned from the experience.

Aryna Sabalenka takes positives from Battle of the Sexes defeat

Sabalenka remained upbeat after the match, focusing on the quality of play and the experience of facing Kyrgios.

She highlighted how competitive the exchanges felt and praised her own level throughout the exhibition.

“I felt great. I think I put up a great fight. He was struggling; he got really tired,” Sabalenka reflected, via BBC Sport.

“I think it was a great level, I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots. Really enjoyed the show.

“Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure. I love to challenge myself, and I’d love to play again.”

Her words reflected a mindset focused on progress rather than results. She embraced the opportunity to compete outside her comfort zone and looked ahead to a potential rematch with a clear tactical plan.

Aryna Sabalenka’s focus turns to preparation for new season

After the match, Sabalenka discussed how different the experience felt from a regular tour contest.

She said the pace and power of facing a male player demanded faster reactions and sharper adjustments across rallies.

“It felt different, the court was different. Obviously, playing against a guy is different; everything is much faster,” Sabalenka continued.

“I hope for the next couple of days I will have a great recovery, I’m pretty much ready for the season, and I hope I will bring great tennis.”

Sabalenka now shifts her focus to preparation for the 2026 season. The exhibition was more than just a showcase; it gave her an early test of match rhythm and movement before returning to competition.