Kyrgios beats Sabalenka in 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown

Nick Kyrgios has defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6‑3 6‑3 on Sunday during the "Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown" exhibition match held at the sold-out Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

With a one-serve-per-point rule in effect, both players faltered on their deliveries in crucial moments before Kyrgios broke for a 4-3 lead and went on to take the opening set.

The maverick Australian was drenched in sweat and appeared out of breath in the second set after going 1-3 down, while his opponent danced to the music during a strategic timeout, but he persevered to make it 3-3 after Sabalenka sent a shot long.

Kyrgios has been an active player on the ATP Tour even though his recent seasons have been blighted by a succession of wrist and knee injuries.

The former Wimbledon runner-up, a major draw on and off the court with his natural talent and charisma, managed only five professional singles matches in 2025.

The match that gave the event its name was the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" when women's tennis pioneer King beat 55-year-old former Grand Slam winner Riggs, who had said that the standard of women's tennis could never match that of the men's game.

'GREAT OPPORTUNITY'

"It was a really tough match," Kyrgios added.

"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.

"As I said before this whole event, whatever role I was to play, it was another great opportunity to go out here. She broke my serve numerous times. And honestly, I had to strap it because she was putting the pressure on; hitting amazing shots. I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and also what I have left in the tank. Ultimately, it was a really hard-fought battle and there were breaks back and forth.

"Seeing someone as great as Aryna out here, and myself, it truly is a spectacle and I think this is a great moving stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis."

Kyrgios, who shortened the points with cheeky drop shots and used variations on his serve to good effect, pulled away and sealed the victory on serve before sharing a warm embrace with Belarusian Sabalenka at the net.

"I think I put on a great fight," Sabalenka said.

"He was struggling. He got really tight. I'm happy to see that the guy is getting tight and (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 ... 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."