In a spectacle that blended high-level tennis with plenty of showmanship, Australian star Nick Kyrgios emerged victorious against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday’s exhibition match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes.” Kyrgios secured a straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-3, in just over an hour, showcasing his trademark flair while Sabalenka brought her powerful game to a court setup designed to level the playing field.
The event, held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, drew a crowd of celebrities and tennis enthusiasts eager to see how this contemporary version of the historic mixed-gender clashes would unfold. Unlike the iconic 1973 matchup between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which played under standard rules to highlight equality in the sport, this edition featured adjustments to bridge the physical differences between male and female players. Sabalenka competed on a standard singles court, while Kyrgios used the wider doubles alleys for his shots. Both players were limited to one serve per point, eliminating let calls and second chances, which added an element of unpredictability and kept the rallies sharp.
From the outset, Kyrgios looked comfortable, breaking Sabalenka early in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. His serve, even with the single-attempt rule, proved dominant, and he mixed in underarm serves and trick shots that elicited cheers from the audience. Sabalenka, fresh off a stellar year where she defended her Australian Open title and claimed the US Open crown, responded with her signature groundstrokes, firing winners down the line that tested Kyrgios’s mobility. Yet, the Australian’s reach and power allowed him to cover the extended court effectively, closing out the first set in 35 minutes.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Sabalenka holding serve gamely until Kyrgios earned a crucial break at 4-3. A slip on the final point – where Kyrgios recovered to hit a forehand winner – sealed the match, prompting laughter from both players as they embraced at the net. The crowd erupted in applause, appreciating the mix of competition and entertainment, including Sabalenka’s glamorous entrance in a sparkling outfit and a mid-match dance that lightened the mood.
Post-match, Kyrgios, who has been sidelined by injuries and sits outside the top 600 in the men’s rankings, spoke about the significance of the event. “This was a big step forward for tennis,” he said. “Aryna is one of the best players out there, full stop. Her power and fight made it tough – I got a bit tense out there. But events like this bring new eyes to the game and show how talented everyone is.” The 30-year-old, known for his outspoken personality and past controversies, has hinted at retirement but used this match as a tune-up ahead of the Australian summer circuit.
Sabalenka, the 27-year-old Belarusian powerhouse, echoed the positive sentiments despite the loss. “I gave it everything – Nick played smart and strong,” she noted. “It was fun to compete like this, and the crowd made it special. These matches remind us why we love tennis.” Her performance included a standout point where she chased down a drop shot and lobbed Kyrgios, drawing ovations even from his supporters. Sabalenka’s participation comes as she prepares for another tilt at the Australian Open, where she aims for a third straight title in Melbourne starting January 11.
The match wasn’t without its detractors. Some in the tennis community questioned whether the modified rules undermined the progress women’s tennis has made since the King-Riggs era, when equal prize money and respect were hard-fought battles. Critics pointed out that the setup – with Sabalenka on a smaller court – could reinforce outdated stereotypes about gender disparities in the sport.
One commentator described it as “clunky and veering too close to a circus,” citing celebrity interruptions and promotional elements that occasionally halted play. Others argued it trivialized the serious advancements in women’s tennis, where players like Sabalenka have proven they can dominate on equal terms in their own tours.
Still, the event’s organizers defended it as a fresh way to engage fans in the off-season. Held in Dubai, a hub for exhibition tennis, it attracted global attention and sold out quickly, with ticket proceeds supporting tennis development programs. Kyrgios, ever the showman, even offered Sabalenka a rematch under different conditions, suggesting they play on equal courts next time. “Let’s do it properly – I’d love that challenge,” he quipped.
For Kyrgios, the win marks a rare competitive outing after a wrist injury kept him off the tour for much of 2025. His last ATP appearance was a first-round loss at Stuttgart in June, but he has expressed interest in returning for the Australian Open, where he reached the final in 2022. A strong showing in Melbourne could cap his career on home soil, especially with countrymen like Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson carrying the flag in his absence.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, heads into 2026 as the player to beat on the women’s side. Her 2025 season included 65 wins and four Grand Slam semifinals or better, solidifying her as a force. The Dubai match served as a fun diversion before she ramps up preparations for Brisbane and Adelaide, the traditional lead-ins to the Australian Open.
As tennis gears up for the new year, this “Battle of the Sexes” provided a reminder of the sport’s ability to evolve while honoring its history. Whether it sparks more mixed exhibitions or remains a one-off, it highlighted the talent on both sides of the net – and the ongoing conversation about how best to showcase it. Fans in Costa Rica, where tennis enthusiasm grows through local academies and international broadcasts, can catch the highlights as the pros head Down Under.
