At a Glance
- Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a Dubai exhibition “Battle of the Sexes.”
- Match featured playful under-arm serves, grunting, and Sabalenka dancing during a timeout.
- The event was staged for entertainment, not a historic gender-equality milestone.
- Why it matters: Fans got a high-energy show, and the match highlighted the players’ rivalry and the event’s commercial focus.
In a lively exhibition at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a modern “Battle of the Sexes” that mixed sport with showmanship. The 17,000-seat venue saw laughter, playful serves, and even dancing, turning the match into a crowd-pleasing spectacle rather than a historic statement on gender equality.
The Match
Nick Kyrgios, who has only played six tour-level matches in three years due to wrist and knee injuries, played within himself and faced a 10% smaller court side for Sabalenka to level the field. The players were limited to one serve per point, and Sabalenka even danced during a timeout to entertain the audience.
Kyrgios, drenched in sweat, won on his third match point and shared a friendly embrace at the net.
- Kyrgios: 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, limited play due to injuries
- Sabalenka: top-ranked woman, 10% smaller court side
- Format: one serve per point, playful antics included
Reactions and Context
Nick Kyrgios admitted feeling nervous and needing to “strap in,” but praised the event as a “great stepping stone for the sport of tennis.”
Aryna Sabalenka said the match was good prep for the upcoming Australian Open and hinted at future revenge, adding that she enjoyed the show and will better understand Kyrgios’ tactics next time.
Nick Kyrgios said:
> “I think this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis.”
Aryna Sabalenka said:
> “Really enjoyed the show, and I feel like next time I play him I’m going to know the tactics, his strengths and his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match, for sure.”
The “Battle of the Sexes” name recalls the 1973 Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs match, but this 2025 iteration had no wider cultural significance, serving mainly to entertain a younger audience and generate revenue for the players’ agency, Evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Kyrgios won the exhibition 6-3, 6-3 over Aryna Sabalenka.
- The match was staged for entertainment, not a landmark for gender equality.
- Both players plan to use the rivalry for future encounters, with Sabalenka seeking revenge.
While the event delivered high-energy tennis and showmanship, it underscored that the modern “Battle of the Sexes” remains a commercial spectacle rather than a societal milestone.
