Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in the Battle of the Sexes, but he appeared to struggle with his fitness during the match.
Kyrgios managed to win the match by two 6-3 scorelines, but he called for two ‘time-out’ breaks during his match with Sabalenka.
The Battle of the Sexes match was criticised for its level and the Australian sweated so profusely that he was described as ‘liquefied’ by BBC commentator Andrew Cotter.
After watching the bout, Greg Rusedski has revealed whether he believes Kyrgios has earned an Australian Open wild card.
Greg Rusedski would reject Nick Kyrgios’ Australian Open wild card
Rusedski was not impressed by Kyrgios’ fitness levels after seeing his first singles match since the Miami Open.
Asked if he would give Kyrgios an Australian Open wild card following his win over Aryna Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes, Rusedski responded: “I wouldn’t.
“He’d have to have some phenomenal results and win in Brisbane or go deep and get to quarters or semi,” said Rusedski on his Off-Court podcast.
“He doesn’t look in the right shape to play. And you’ve got to think of all those young Australian up-and-coming players to give them the opportunity to play.”
Rusedski said the only reason to give Kyrgios an entry into the Australian Open would be due to his popularity.
“He’s box office. He brings people into stadiums which is the positive but I think in Australia he’s going to have to show some form and from today’s performance and what he looked like physically I wouldn’t do it just because the fact that he doesn’t look in good enough shape to play three out of five sets.”
Kyrgios has received a wild card for the Brisbane International, in both the singles and doubles, where he will play alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.
What happened the last time Nick Kyrgios played the Australian Open
Despite languishing outside the top 500 of the ATP Tour rankings, Kyrgios did play the Australian Open in 2025.
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The Aussie earned his place in the main draw thanks to his protected ranking, which helps players recovering from injuries.
Kyrgios was drawn against British star Jacob Fearnley, who was unseeded at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Fearnley picked up arguably the biggest win of his career by defeating Kyrgios in straight sets to end his campaign at his home tournament.
Kyrgios, and Kokkinakis, also withdrew from the Australian Open doubles after both men suffered injuries.
