Nick Kyrgios emerged victorious against women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in their much-anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Kyrgios secured the win with a score of 6-3, 6-3, showcasing his skills against one of the top players in women’s tennis. The match drew a significant crowd and generated considerable excitement, though it sparked debate within the tennis community regarding its implications for women’s sports.
This exhibition drew its title from the historic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, where King triumphed in straight sets. Prior to the event, some voiced concerns that a lopsided result could diminish the progress made in women’s tennis. Sabalenka, however, demonstrated her formidable talent, delivering powerful groundstrokes that tested Kyrgios throughout the contest.
Despite Kyrgios’ current ATP ranking of 671, the former Wimbledon runner-up has faced a challenging series of injuries, undergoing four surgeries on his knee and wrist. He has played only six ATP matches in over three years. Following the match, he acknowledged the physical demands of the encounter, stating, “Honestly, it was a really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion.”
The rules for the exhibition were modified, featuring just one serve per player and a smaller court for Sabalenka. The match began with Sabalenka successfully holding her serve, but Kyrgios quickly found his rhythm. He broke Sabalenka’s serve in the seventh game, taking the first set in just half an hour.
In the second set, Kyrgios took an early lead, but Sabalenka fought back to establish a 3-1 advantage. The Australian, known for his creative shot-making, managed to level the score before pulling ahead to seal the match. His signature underarm serves and cheeky half-volley chips added flair to the encounter.
Kyrgios expressed a desire to face Sabalenka again, emphasizing the importance of showcasing her talent. “I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank,” he remarked.
While Kyrgios has not participated in a Tour singles match since March, he has received a wildcard entry for the upcoming Brisbane International, scheduled for January 4-11, 2024. Despite his absence from the competitive circuit, he seemed relieved to have successfully navigated the challenging exhibition. “Of course I was nervous. Not many people would have put their hand up to be in this position,” he admitted.
On the other hand, Sabalenka entered the match in formidable form, fresh off her victory at the US Open where she claimed her fourth Grand Slam title. With 59 wins under her belt for the season, she expressed optimism about her upcoming campaigns. “Obviously playing against a guy is different, everything is much faster,” she noted, indicating her readiness as the new tennis season approaches.
As both players prepare for the next stage of their careers, the exhibition match served as an exciting showcase of talent and competition, highlighting the strengths of both Kyrgios and Sabalenka.
