Nick Kyrgios beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in the Battle of the Sexes on Monday in Dubai. Hitting into a court area nine percent smaller than Sabalenka’s standard target, Kyrgios had no trouble taking care of the WTA world No. 1.
Is Kyrgios’ next stop a real return to the ATP Tour? Maybe not. The 30-year-old Australian played only five matches throughout the entire 2025 campaign and he is down at No. 671 in the world. Kyrgios has a wild card into the upcoming Brisbane International, but there is no reason to think — based on what was on display against Sabalenka — that his fitness level is ready for a best-of-five situation at the Australian Open.
Aussie Open tournament directors have awarded three wild cards so far — to James Duckworth, Patrick Kypson, and Bu Yunchaokete. It remains to be seen if Kyrgios will be among the remaining recipients. For now, only participation in Brisbane looks like a sure thing. In addition to singles, the former world No. 13 will also play doubles with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. They won the Australian Open together in 2022.
This ATP 250 event gets underway on January 5, headlining Week 1 of the 2026 ATP season. Also on the entry list are Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jiri Lehecka, Denis Shapovalov, Joao Fonseca, Frances Tiafoe, and Grigor Dimitrov.
he better not take up an AO WC
What a waster
Wot a ridiculous joke/ waste of time this Battle of the Sexes grift.
Think NK should take retirement to spare our mental health…
Nothing would surprise me when it comes to that guy
For sure … the Brett Favre of the ATP
Out, in Brisbane, -3 & -4
surprised he got 7 games!