Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) in the 2025 edition of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match in the UAE on Sunday (December 28), played at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai
in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,500 spectators.
The opening set featured a flurry of breaks, with Sabalenka having a slight upper hand, before Kyrgios steadied himself, sealing it 6-3 with a mix of guile and serving flair. While Sabalenka, who made a grand entry onto the court, played aggressively from the start, the Australian former Wimbledon finalist went the opposite way, even making a few underarm serves.
There were bouts of frustration for Kyrgios even in the second set, and Sabalenka did test him with her perfect backhand hits, but ultimately, the gulf in their skill sets stood out. Despite Sabalenka’s superior ranking and the recent US Open triumph, Kyrgios, ranked 671 and short on match fitness — he had hardly played any matches this year due to a wrist injury — found enough rhythm to close out a second 6-3 set.
The 30-year-old Australian relied on his ferocity off both wings and deft touch at the net, admitting afterward that Sabalenka had ‘put him through the wringer.’
Unlike earlier ‘Battle of the Sexes’ matchups involving Bobby Riggs and Margaret Court, Riggs and Billie Jean King, or Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova, the fourth installment featured specific modifications to both the court and the rules.
Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by nine per cent, a change intended to offset the perceived speed difference between male and female players. Both players were also limited to a single serve, contributing to frequent breaks and extended rallies.
This also led to severe criticism in some quarters, which labeled the match a ‘gimmick’. The audience, comprising of several high-profile sporting names (mostly footballers), seemed to enjoy the little dance moves from Sabalenka in between the breaks and the constant banter between the opponents.
Despite the skepticism, the quality of shot-making, including looping forehand winners from Kyrgios and crisp backhand strikes from Sabalenka, ensured the exhibition delivered genuine entertainment.
