MELBOURNE — The echoes of a thrilling exhibition match from the 2022 Australian Open still resonate in the tennis world, and now one of its stars is calling for a rematch. Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time reigning Australian Open champion, has publicly laid out her terms for a second "Battle of the Sexes" showdown against the mercurial Nick Kyrgios, following her narrow defeat in their first encounter.
That initial clash, held on Rod Laver Arena as a highlight of the AO's "Tennis Plays for Peace" event for Ukraine relief, saw Sabalenka push Kyrgios to the limit before falling in a super-tiebreak, 4-6, 6-3, [10-8]. The high-octane, entertaining match featured booming serves, audacious shot-making, and playful banter, capturing the imagination of fans. Now, with Sabalenka firmly established as a dominant force and Kyrgios eyeing a return from injury, the Belarusian powerhouse is ready to run it back—but with a few key adjustments.
Sabalenka's Blueprint for a Kyrgios Rematch
In recent interviews, Sabalenka has been vocal about her desire for a second act. Speaking to the Today show in Australia, she didn't mince words: "I would love to have a rematch. I really want to beat him. I hope we can make it happen, maybe before the Australian Open next year as a great showcase." Her competitive fire is clearly still burning from that 2022 loss, a match she believes she let slip away.
Sabalenka's proposal isn't just a casual challenge; she has specific conditions to level the playing field. The core of her argument hinges on the inherent physical advantages in a mixed-gender contest. "He served unbelievable," she recalled of their first match, highlighting the single biggest factor she wants to mitigate.
The "No-Serve" Rule and Other Stipulations
To address the serve disparity, Sabalenka has humorously yet pointedly suggested a radical rule change. "Maybe we can play without serve? Just from the baseline, rallying. I think I have a better chance this way!" she joked to reporters. While delivered with a smile, the sentiment underscores a genuine strategic point. Kyrgios, possessor of one of the most explosive and unreadable serves in tennis history, hit 20 aces in their best-of-three exhibition match.
Beyond the serve, Sabalenka outlined other wishes for a potential rematch, aiming to create a more controlled and competitive environment:
- Surface Matters: She expressed a preference for a clay-court match, a surface that slows the ball down and diminishes the impact of a massive serve, favoring her powerful baseline grinding.
- Format Adjustment: While their first match used a 10-point super-tiebreak in lieu of a third set, Sabalenka hinted that a full third set would provide a truer test of endurance and skill.
- Stakes: She playfully suggested there should be "a big prize" for the winner, adding tangible motivation beyond pride.
Kyrgios's Response and the Road to a Real Rematch
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Nick Kyrgios has responded in kind. Through his podcast and social media, the Australian showman has welcomed the idea. "I heard Sabalenka wants the rematch... I'm down anytime, any place. But my serve stays. That's non-negotiable," he quipped, directly countering her primary condition.
Kyrgios, who has been sidelined for over a year following knee surgery and a wrist issue, is targeting a return in 2025. A high-profile exhibition against a current world No. 2 and dual major champion would be a perfect centerpiece for his comeback. He has acknowledged Sabalenka's immense improvement since 2022, telling the Herald Sun, "She's a beast now. She's won two Aussie Opens, she's a different animal. It would be even more entertaining now."
The logistics of making the rematch happen are complex but not impossible. Exhibition events like the "World Tennis League" in Dubai or the "Diriyah Cup" in Saudi Arabia are increasingly hosting unique matchups for substantial appearance fees. Tennis Australia could also see the value in reviving the spectacle as a marquee lead-in event to the Australian Open, much like the "Rally for Relief" exhibitions of the past.
More Than an Exhibition: Symbolism and Evolution
A Sabalenka-Kyrgios rematch transcends mere entertainment. It represents a fascinating evolution of the "Battle of the Sexes" concept, far removed from the iconic Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs match in 1973. That event was laden with societal stakes about gender equality and athletic credibility. Today's version, as proposed by Sabalenka and Kyrgios, is rooted in mutual respect, modern sports science, and a shared understanding of their different athletic arsenals.
Sabalenka's candid stipulations—particularly about the serve—open a genuine technical dialogue about comparative advantages in sport. Her request isn't framed as a grievance but as a strategic negotiation to create a more compelling contest. This reflects her growth not just as a player who has conquered her serving yips to become dominant, but as a confident athlete unafraid to advocate for conditions she believes are fair.
Furthermore, the potential rematch highlights the shifting power dynamics in tennis. Sabalenka, at the peak of her powers, is the one issuing the challenge and setting terms. Her physical strength and power-hitting style have blurred the traditional lines between men's and women's tennis more than ever, making the hypothetical competition a legitimate topic of debate rather than a novelty.
The Verdict: A Must-See Spectacle Awaits
While the "no-serve" rule is likely to remain in the realm of fun trash talk, the core desire for a rematch is very real from both camps. The first match proved the concept: their contrasting yet explosive styles—Kyrgios's improvisational genius and touch against Sabalenka's relentless, raw power—create a uniquely captivating chemistry. The prospect of a second chapter, with Sabalenka as a hardened champion and Kyrgios with a point to prove after a long hiatus, is tantalizing.
The tennis world will be watching closely. Promoters now have a clear signal of interest from two of the game's biggest personalities. As Sabalenka herself summarized, "It was so much fun, and the crowd loved it. We have to do it again. Next time, I'm getting that win." Whether on clay, hard court, with or without a serve handicap, one thing is certain: if Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios step onto the court together again, it will be an unmissable event that celebrates the pure, entertaining spectacle of tennis.