Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reuters
—
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 this Sunday in an exhibition match called “Battle of the Sexes,” considered a modern version of Billie Jean King’s famous victory over Bobby Riggs more than 50 years ago, but which sparked controversy over its relevance and meaning.
The clash between Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, and Kyrgios, a former world number 13, was billed as a spectacle, but critics warned it risked reducing women’s tennis to a sideshow and trivializing its progress towards equality.
The match that gave its name to the event was the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” when women’s tennis pioneer King defeated Riggs, 55, a former Grand Slam champion who had claimed that the level of women’s tennis could never match that of men’s tennis.
King told the BBC that while this year’s clash had the same theme, it lacked the significance of his showdown with Riggs, a contest he described as a fight for social change in a very different cultural era.
“I don’t think many people would have applied to be in this position, especially in my position,” Kyrgios said.
“Obviously, Aryna was up for the challenge. The score was closer than it actually was. I was under pressure there… and then anything can happen when the crowd gets behind her. I was nervous.”
Playing before a packed crowd at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Kyrgios dominated the slightly smaller court on world number one Sabalenka’s side to secure victory after an entertaining match played under modified rules.
With the one serve per point rule in effect, both players missed their serves at crucial moments before Kyrgios broke serve to take a 4-3 lead and take the first set from there.
The maverick Australian was drenched in sweat and looked out of breath in the second set after trailing 1-3, as his opponent danced to the music during a strategic timeout, but persevered to make it 3-3 after Sabalenka sent a long shot.
Unlike Riggs, who had long retired from the men’s tour when he faced fellow American King, Kyrgios is an active player on the ATP Tour, despite his recent seasons having been marred by a series of wrist and knee injuries.
The former Wimbledon runner-up, a huge attraction on and off the court for his natural talent and charisma, only played five professional singles matches in 2025.
“It was a really difficult match,” Kyrgios added.
“She’s an incredible competitor and a great champion. Obviously, she’s a multiple-time Grand Slam champion. And I really didn’t know what to expect.”
“As I said before this whole event, whatever my role was, it was another great opportunity to come out here. She broke my serve several times. And honestly, I had to buckle her because she put pressure on me; she hit incredible shots. I would love to play against her again and show her talent and also what I have left. In the end, it was a very close battle with breaks of serve.”
“Seeing someone as big as Aryna here, and myself, is really a sight and I think it’s a big step forward for tennis.”
Kyrgios, who shortened the points with daring drop shots and used variations on her serve to good effect, broke free and sealed victory on serve before sharing a warm embrace with Belarusian Sabalenka at the net.
“I think I put up a great fight,” Sabalenka said.
“He was having a hard time. He got very tense. I’m glad to see that he’s getting tense and (after) taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level.”
“I made a lot of good shots, I moved a lot towards the net… great drop shots, Nick, great serve. I really enjoyed the show and I feel like the next time I play against him, I already know the tactics. I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and I’m sure it will be a better match.”
