At a Glance
- Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-3 in Dubai exhibition
- Only one serve per point and a 10% smaller court side for Sabalenka
- 17,000-seat arena, tickets up to $800
Why it matters: A light-hearted “Battle of the Sexes” shows tennis can mix entertainment with sport, but offers little cultural shift.
In a playful twist on a historic tennis showdown, Nick Kyrgios edged Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-3 at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, turning a gender-balanced match into a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
The Match
The exhibition ran with a single serve per point and Sabalenka’s side of the court trimmed by nearly 10% to level the field. Kyrgios, still recovering from wrist and knee injuries, fought through sweat-soaked rallies to capture the third match point and win.
Players’ Reactions
Nick Kyrgios acknowledged feeling nervous and having to “strap in.” He added:
> Nick Kyrgios stated:
>
> > “I think this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis.”
Aryna Sabalenka praised the entertainment value and expressed a desire for a rematch:
> Aryna Sabalenka said:
>
> > “Really enjoyed the show, and I feel like next time I play him I’m going to know the tactics, his strengths and his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match, for sure.”
She also noted the match was good prep for the Australian Open and that she would like to exact revenge.
Context & Controversy
The “Battle of the Sexes” name harks back to the 1973 match between Billie-Jean King and Bobby Riggs, but this 52-year-later edition offered little cultural significance. Both players, signed to the same agency Evolve, aimed to entertain younger fans and earn money. Kyrgios, who pleaded guilty to a 2021 assault charge and has voiced opposition to equal pay in tennis, added a layer of controversy.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | Nick Kyrgios 6-3 6-3 Aryna Sabalenka |
| Serve rule | One serve per point |
| Court adjustment | Sabalenka’s side 10% smaller |
| Venue | Coca-Cola Arena, 17,000 seats |
| Ticket price | Up to $800 |
Key Takeaways
- Nick Kyrgios wins a high-profile exhibition with a 6-3 6-3 score.
- The match featured a single-serve rule and a reduced court side for Sabalenka.
- The event was a show-stopper, but offered little new meaning for gender equality in tennis.
The Dubai exhibition left fans entertained and sparked debate about the role of spectacle in modern tennis.
