At a Glance
- Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a Dubai exhibition.
- Match featured jokes, dancing and a one-serve-per-point format.
- Most expensive tickets approached $800.
- Why it matters: It showcases a playful twist on a historic tennis concept, drawing crowds and media attention.
Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka faced off in a light-hearted “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, where the crowd of 17,000 cheered on an entertaining mix of on-court antics and a relaxed format.
Dubai Exhibition Highlights
The match was staged with a single serve per point and Sabalenka’s side of the court reduced by about 10% to level the playing field. Players also served under-arm, grunted loudly, and even broke into dance during a timeout.
- One-serve-per-point rule applied to both players.
- Sabalenka’s court side was ~10% smaller.
- The event was billed as entertainment, not a historic milestone.
Players’ Perspectives
Kyrgios admitted he was nervous and had to “strap in.” He said the match was a great stepping stone for tennis.
Sabalenka welcomed the match as good prep for the upcoming season and hinted at a rematch for revenge.
> “Really enjoyed the show,” she said, “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.”
Kyrgios finished the win after a third match point, drenched in sweat, and both players shared a friendly embrace at the net.
Key Takeaways
- Kyrgios won the exhibition 6-3, 6-3 over Sabalenka.
- The match used a single-serve rule and a smaller court for Sabalenka.
- The event was a playful nod to the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” but had little cultural impact.
The exhibition proved that tennis can still entertain while offering a fresh, humorous take on a classic rivalry.
