Nick Kyrgios won an exhibition match against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai. The event, called a ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ saw Kyrgios win in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
Special rules were used to make the contest more even. Sabalenka’s side of the court was made slightly smaller, and both players were allowed only one serve per point.
Kyrgios, who has played very little this year due to injury, needed about 70 minutes to secure the win. The match was played in a light-hearted spirit, featuring jokes, under-arm serves from Kyrgios, and Sabalenka even dancing during a break.
Sabalenka started well in the second set, taking a 3-1 lead, but Kyrgios won the next five games to close out the match.
The event brought to mind the famous 1973 match where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a similar cross-gender exhibition.
Kyrgios Comments on the Match
Kyrgios, currently ranked world No. 673, praised his opponent. “It was a really tough match,” he said. “She’s a great champion. I had to try my best because she was putting on a lot of pressure. The score was closer than it looks, and I think this was a great event for tennis.”
Sabalenka Sees Positive Signs
Sabalenka, who won the US Open last year, focused on the benefits of the match. “I felt great and I think I put up a good fight,” she stated. “It was great practice for me. Playing against a man is different, everything is faster. I learned a lot about his game, and if we play again, it will be an even better match.”
