Battle of the Sexes 'brought eyes on tennis'

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by ByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalistJanuary 6, 2026 at 09:31 AM

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Aryna Sabalenka defended her exhibition "Battle of the Sexes" match against Nick Kyrgios, stating it increased tennis viewership despite criticism. Sabalenka believes the match improved her fitness, which she demonstrated in a dominant victory over Cristina Bucsa at the Brisbane International. In other tennis news, Katie Boulter defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva at the ASB Classic in Auckland, marking her first match with new coach Michael Joyce. Boulter, who missed direct entry into the Australian Open, will face Elina Svitolina in the next round. Also at the ASB Classic, Sonay Kartal advanced to the second round after defeating Janice Tjen. The Australian Open is scheduled to begin on January 18th.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wimbledon ×230% Bobby Riggs 40% Sorana Cirstea 40% Billie Jean King 40% Iga Swiatek 40% Dubai 40% Brisbane ×250% Katie Boulter ×360% Cristina Bucsa ×260% Australian Open ×260% Nick Kyrgios ×270% Aryna Sabalenka ×690%

Keywords

battle of the sexes 100% tennis 90% exhibition match 80% aryna sabalenka 70% nick kyrgios 60% brisbane international 50% iga swiatek 40% australian open 40%