Tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka is championing the power of innovation in sport after her high-profile exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide.

The Belarusian champion, currently ranked world number one, kicked off her 2026 season in spectacular fashion with a commanding 6-0 6-1 victory over Spain's Cristina Bucsa at the Brisbane International. The match lasted just 47 minutes, showcasing Sabalenka's exceptional form as she defended her Brisbane title.

Speaking after her impressive win, Sabalenka enthusiastically defended her December exhibition match against Kyrgios in Dubai, emphasizing the positive impact it had on both her game and the sport's visibility. "It brought so many eyes on tennis," the four-time Grand Slam champion said warmly. "It wasn't about proving something to anyone. It was able to show that tennis can be really huge."

The defending Brisbane champion revealed that the exhibition match provided invaluable fitness benefits as she prepared for the new season. "When you play against a guy, the intensity is completely different," Sabalenka explained. "Especially when there is Nick, who is drop-shotting every other shot, you move a lot, so there was a great fitness for me."

Rather than viewing the match through a controversial lens, Sabalenka focused on the joy and challenge it provided. "That exhibition, it was fun. It was a great challenge," she shared, radiating enthusiasm about trying new approaches to engage tennis audiences.

The match clearly served its purpose, with Sabalenka looking sharp and energized in her Brisbane campaign. Her decisive victory over the world number 28 demonstrated that her preparation has paid dividends as she aims for another successful Australian swing.

Meanwhile, British tennis is also celebrating promising starts to the season. Katie Boulter marked her return to competition with an encouraging 6-3 6-3 victory over Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva at the ASB Classic in Auckland. Playing her first match since October and debuting under new coach Michael Joyce, Boulter showed positive signs as she builds toward the Australian Open.

Fellow Brit Sonay Kartal also advanced in Auckland with a hard-fought 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 win over Indonesia's Janice Tjen. The world number 68, who captured hearts with her inspiring run to the Wimbledon last 16 in 2025, continues to build on her breakthrough season.

As Sabalenka prepares to face Romania's Sorana Cirstea in round three of Brisbane, her confidence is clearly soaring. The Australian Open begins on January 18, and if her Brisbane performance is any indication, fans are in for an exciting tournament.

Sabalenka's positive perspective on innovation and her willingness to embrace new formats demonstrates how tennis can continue evolving while bringing joy to players and expanding the sport's reach to new audiences worldwide. Her message is clear: when tennis tries something different and fun, everyone wins.