Aryna Sabalenka has spoken about her feelings following the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. The world number two admitted she was disappointed that some people misunderstood the purpose of the event. “What I’m sad about is that some people got it wrong, the whole idea of that event. I don’t care. You know, I feel like there is always going to be people who don’t like you, don’t respect you, don’t support you. But there is so many people who support me who really cheer me on and who find inspiration in me, and I’m focusing on that part,” she said.
Focus on fun and visibility
Sabalenka emphasized that the exhibition was not about proving anything but rather about showcasing tennis to a wider audience. “I’m not even thinking about that exhibition. It was fun. It was a great challenge. I think we brought so many eyes on tennis. It wasn’t about proving something to anyone. It was about to show that tennis can be really huge and we can bring, like, a lot of attention on the exhibition match, which usually never happen, and we just proved that, that that’s all what it was about and fun,” she explained.
Support from fans
The Belarusian star highlighted the importance of focusing on the positive reactions she received. “There is a lot of people who supported us, and I’m just focusing on that. Going into this match, I was just playing my tennis. I was focusing on my game, on things that I was working on. That’s it,” Sabalenka added.
Sabalenka’s comments underline her determination to move past criticism and concentrate on her tennis. The exhibition may have sparked debate, but for her, the priority remains continuing to inspire fans and prepare for the challenges ahead on the WTA Tour.
WTA Brisbane - Aryna Sabalenka's projected path
Sabalenka in Brisbane, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.1, Sabalenka has achieved a composed 1-0 record in 2026. Sabalenka is competing in Brisbane where she beat the world no.50 Cristina Bucsa 6-0 6-1.
Aryna Sabalenka will take on the world no.41 Sorana Cirstea in the 3rd round. Their record is 1-1.
Sabalenka won 21 titles in her career: 16 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
