Nick Kyrgios recorded a straight-sets victory over women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a high-profile ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match in Dubai on Sunday, winning 6-3, 6-3 under modified rules designed to level the contest.
The made-for-television encounter at the Coca-Cola Arena featured a reduced court for Sabalenka, with her side shortened by nine per cent, while both players were limited to a single serve per point. A 10-point match tie-break had been planned if the contest went the distance, but Kyrgios wrapped up victory in around 70 minutes.
Despite having played just five singles matches this year due to injury, Kyrgios broke Sabalenka twice in the opening set to take early control. The Australian negotiated the adjusted conditions effectively, mixing power with touch to neutralise Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game.
Sabalenka threatened a fightback in the second set, racing into a 3-1 lead, but Kyrgios responded with five consecutive games to seal the match on his third match point. The encounter was played in a relaxed atmosphere, with both players engaging the crowd through underarm serves, light-hearted exchanges and mid-match dancing from Sabalenka.
The exhibition drew comparisons with historic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ contests, most notably Billie Jean King’s iconic victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973. Celebrities, including former football star Ronaldo, were in attendance as the sold-out crowd enjoyed the spectacle.
After the match, Kyrgios praised Sabalenka’s competitiveness, describing the contest as tougher than the scoreline suggested, while Sabalenka said she took positives from the experience as she prepares for the new season.
