'Great opportunity'

"As I said before this whole event, whatever role I was to play, it was another great opportunity to go out here," Kyrgios added.

"Seeing someone as great as Aryna out here, and myself, it truly is a spectacle and I think this is a great moving stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis."

Kyrgios, who shortened the points with cheeky drop shots and used variations on his serve to good effect, pulled away and sealed the victory on serve before sharing a warm embrace with Sabalenka at the net.

"I think I put on a great fight,"Sabalenka said.

"He was struggling. He got really tight.

"I'm happy to see that the guy is getting tight and (after) taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level.

"I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net ... great drop shots, Nick, great serving.

"I really enjoyed the show and I feel like, the next time when I play him, I already know the tactics.

"I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and it's going to be a better match for sure.

"I love challenges, and I would love to play him again," the Belarusian added.

"It felt different. Playing against a guy is competitive, it was faster and good for my fitness.

"I hope, over the next few days, I'll have a good few days off and keep bringing joy to people watching me over the season."

Agencies