Aryna Sabalenka is set to cap off a remarkable yet challenging 2025 season with a unique Battle of the Sexes exhibition against the mercurial Nick Kyrgios today. The Belarusian world number one enjoyed another dominant year on the WTA Tour, successfully defending her US Open crown, but not without facing a significant regulatory penalty.
A Season of Triumph and Heartfelt Gestures
The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign, reaching three Grand Slam finals. Her most significant achievement came at Flushing Meadows, where she successfully defended her US Open title with a victory over America's Amanda Anisimova. This major win was complemented by prestigious WTA 1000 triumphs in Miami and Madrid, as well as a title in Brisbane.
One of the most memorable moments of her year occurred off the court during the Miami Open trophy presentation. After defeating Jessica Pegula for a third time in a final, Sabalenka offered a remarkably gracious and heartfelt apology to her rival. "If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything - I would definitely share it with you," she told a disappointed Pegula, praising her opponent's incredible talent and sportsmanship.
The Sting of Defeat and a Ranking Points Penalty
However, 2025 was not without its setbacks for the top-ranked player. She fell short in the finals of both the Australian Open, losing to Madison Keys, and the French Open, where Coco Gauff emerged victorious. Her Wimbledon journey was halted in the semi-finals by Amanda Anisimova.
More consequentially, Sabalenka faced an administrative sanction from the WTA. The tour mandates that players compete in a minimum of six WTA 500 tournaments annually. Having fallen short of this requirement in 2025, Sabalenka was penalised under the "zeroed out" rule. This saw 10 of her ranking points stripped away as a penalty for missing the mandatory events.
Maintaining Dominance Ahead of a New Challenge
Fortunately for Sabalenka, the points deduction did not threaten her position at the summit of women's tennis. She retains a commanding lead of 2,475 points over her closest rival, Iga Swiatek. Following a Christmas break, her focus now shifts to a light-hearted but highly anticipated exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios, before she sets her sights on a third Australian Open title in the new year.
Her 2025 season ultimately encapsulates the modern tennis professional's journey: a blend of on-court brilliance, emotional depth in victory, adherence to strict tour regulations, and the constant pursuit of new challenges, both competitive and exhibition.
