Nick Kyrgios beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in the Battle of the Sexes on Monday in Dubai. Hitting a court nine percent smaller than Sabalenka’s usual target, Kyrgios had no trouble taking care of the WTA world No. 1.
Is Kyrgios’ next stop a true return to the ATP Tour? Maybe not. The 30-year-old Australian has played just five games in the entire 2025 campaign and is ranked as low as No. 671 in the world. Kyrgios has a wild card at the upcoming Brisbane International, but there is no reason to think – based on what was shown against Sabalenka – that his fitness level is suitable 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 whether Kyrgios will be among the remaining recipients. At the moment, participation in Brisbane only looks certain. In addition to singles, the former world No. 13 will also play doubles with partner Thanasi Kokkinakis. They won the Australian Open together in 2022.
This ATP 250 event continues on January 5, covering Week 1 of the 2026 ATP season. Others on the shortlist are Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jiri Lehecka, Denis Shapovalov, Joao Fonseca, Frances Tiafoe, and Grigor Dimitrov.
