Sabalenka says “Battle of the Sexes” is paying off after ruthless victory
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, her goddaughter Nicole and Australia’s Nick Kyrgios celebrate with trophies after the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in Dubai on December 28, 2025. — Reuters BRISBANE: Aryna Sabalenka said her much-vaunted exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios paid dividends as she destroyed Christina Butsa on Tuesday to kick-start her Australian Open preparations. The world number one took just 48 minutes to see off the Spaniard 6-0, 6-1 in the second round of the season-opening Brisbane International. The ease of victory against the world number 50 will send a warning to Belarus’ opponents ahead of the Australian Open






