World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka credits her hyped “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition vs. Nick Kyrgios for sharpening her edge, demolishing Cristina Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 in 48 minutes at Brisbane International Tuesday—kicking off Australian Open prep (Jan 18 start).
The Belarusian blazed set 1 in 22 mins, set 2 in 26; Spaniard No. 50 had zero reply to her power. Next: Ostapenko or Cirstea; Keys quarterfinal rematch looms (American won last AO final).
“That Kyrgios match? Intensity off the charts—drop shots everywhere, killer fitness,” Sabalenka said. “Fun challenge, drew huge tennis eyes—not proving points, just showing the sport’s massive.”
Keys Advances, Men Upset
Madison Keys (bye to R2) beat McCartney Kessler 6-4, 6-3: “Rustier vs. match-sharpened foes, but settled in.”
Men’s shocks: No. 2 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina fell 7-6(4), 6-4 to Brandon Nakashima; No. 5 Denis Shapovalov routed 6-4, 6-2 by qualifier Raphael Collignon.
