In Dubai, Kyrgios prevails over Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios won the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against women’s tennis No. 1 star Aryna Sabalenka at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.

The scoreline at the end was 6‑3, 6‑3, but the result was closer than what the scores suggested.

The exhibition match – pitting the four-time women’s grand slam champion against one of the most talented and temperamental men’s stars in recent times – was an effort to reprise the famous match between 29-year-old Billie Jean King and the 50-year-old Bobby Riggs in September 1973, which was won by King 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

In other versions of the Battle of the Sexes, Riggs, a former world No. 1, had defeated Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in May 1973, and American superstar Jimmy Connors got the better of the legendary Martina Navratilova 7-5, 6-2 in September 1992.

Kyrgios beats Sabalenka in Dubai

Kyrgios, who reached No. 13 in the ATP rankings but slipped to 671 after playing just five matches in 2025, looked visibly tired during the match, while Sabalenka even performed her version of the popular Macarena dance during the match to entertain the fans at the sold-out event.

The court was altered to make it a more level playing field, with Sabalenka’s side reduced by 9 per cent. It made it difficult for Kyrgios who was serving to a smaller target.

Both players were only allowed one serve each. That seemed to have helped Kyrgios more as Sabalenka seemed to be struggling with her first serves throughout the match.

Belarus’ Sabalenka, winner of the French and the US Open this year, said: “I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I’m happy to see that the guy is getting tight after taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level.

“I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net … some great drop shots. Nick, great serving. I really enjoyed the show and I feel like the next time when I play him, I already know the tactics. I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match for sure.”

Kyrgios said: “I don’t think many people would have put their hand up to be in this position, especially in my position. But as I said before, whatever role I was to play, it was another great opportunity to go out here.

“Obviously, Aryna was up for the challenge. She’s a hell of a competitor and such a great champion. Obviously, she’s a multiple Grand Slam champion. And I didn’t really know what to expect.

“The scoreline was closer than it was. I was under the pump there … and then anything happens once the crowd gets behind it. I was nervous.”