Kyrgios beats Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis showdown
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match held in the United Arab Emirates on Sun, Dec 28, 2025. Kyrgios won with scores of 6-3, 6-3. The match featured modified rules, including each player being allowed only…
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition tennis match held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The event, billed as a 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown, featured modified rules designed to offset Kyrgios's power and speed advantage. Each player was allowed only one serve, and Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced in size by nine percent. Kyrgios, ranked 671, faced Sabalenka, the women's world number one and a four-time Grand Slam singles champion.
The match bore little resemblance to the 1973 'Battle of the Sexes' between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which carried broader significance for women's professional tennis. In Dubai, Kyrgios started strongly, taking the first set 6-3. Sabalenka, known for her powerful game, struggled to adapt to the altered conditions, while Kyrgios employed drop shots and serve variations to shorten points and disrupt her rhythm.
Kyrgios appeared fatigued in the second set, going down 1-3 and visibly drenched in sweat. Sabalenka, meanwhile, took a brief timeout to dance to music before resuming play. Kyrgios fought back to level the set at 3-3 after Sabalenka sent a shot long. He then consolidated his serve to secure the victory, finishing with scores of 6-3, 6-3.
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition tennis match held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Following the match, Kyrgios acknowledged the competitiveness of the encounter, stating, "Honestly, it was a really tough match. She's a hell of a competitor. I had to strap in because she was putting the pressure on, and ultimately, it was a really hard-fought battle." Sabalenka, who had called her own performance "great," reflected on Kyrgios's struggles, saying, "He was struggling. He was getting tired. I was happy to see that."
Sabalenka also expressed enthusiasm for a potential rematch, noting, "I made a lot of great shots. I really enjoyed the show. I feel like next time when I play him, I know all his tactics and strengths." The two players shared a warm embrace at the net after the conclusion of the match, marking a cordial end to the exhibition.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
