BRISBANE, Australia — The Battle of the Sexes exhibition was a bit of fun for Aryna Sabalenka and a showdown she regarded as good preparation for the Australian Open. In her first match since playing Nick Kyrgios in Dubai last month, No. 1-ranked Sabalenka overwhelmed No. 50 Cristina Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 on Tuesday to start her title defense at the Brisbane International. The aim was to lay down a marker ahead of a potential quarterfinal against Madison Keys, who beat Cartney Kessler 6-4, 6-3. The exhibition attracted some criticism but also, at least as far as Sabalenka was...
