Sun Dec 28 18:08:47 UTC 2025: Kyrgios Defeats Sabalenka in “Battle of the Sexes” Exhibition Match
Dubai, UAE – Nick Kyrgios, currently ranked 671st in the world, defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in a highly-publicized “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match held in Dubai on Sunday. The match, featuring modified rules including a smaller court for Sabalenka and only one serve per player, saw the Australian Kyrgios emerge victorious with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
Despite Kyrgios’s lower ranking due to limited play in recent years and showing signs of fatigue during the second set, his strategic use of drop shots and varied serves proved effective against the four-time Grand Slam singles champion.
The exhibition match, while evoking memories of the historic 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, differed significantly in its context. King’s victory was a pivotal moment for women’s tennis, advocating for its legitimacy and equal prize money.
Kyrgios acknowledged the difficulty of the match, praising Sabalenka as a “hell of a competitor.” Sabalenka expressed her enjoyment of the event and stated she would “love” a rematch, believing she now understands Kyrgios’s tactics and strengths. The event was viewed as a success, with both players contributing to a entertaining show for the audience.
First Piper 