Kyrgios Defeats Sabalenka in Dubai ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Exhibition
An exhibition match with modified rules in Dubai
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-3 in a special ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match in Dubai, a made-for-TV event that mixed competitive tennis with entertainment. The match was played at the Coca-Cola Arena and featured rule adjustments designed to create a more balanced contest between the men’s and women’s games.
Among the modifications, Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced in size by nine per cent. In addition, both players were restricted to one serve per point rather than the usual two. The contest was scheduled as a three-set match, with a 10-point deciding tie-break set to be used if needed, but Kyrgios wrapped up the win in straight sets in around 70 minutes.
Kyrgios has played only five singles matches this year due to injuries and has not featured on the ATP Tour since March. He has dropped to world No 673, making the Dubai exhibition one of his most notable on-court appearances in recent months.
How the match unfolded
The atmosphere was light at times, with laughing and joking between the players. Kyrgios used under-arm serves during the match, while Sabalenka danced during a 60-second timeout, adding to the show for the crowd. Sabalenka also made her entrance to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and appeared to receive early backing from the audience.
Despite the smaller “equaliser” court on Sabalenka’s side, Kyrgios settled quickly. He broke Sabalenka to love in the third game of the opening set. After that, the next four games went against serve, underlining how the modified rules and exhibition setting did not prevent momentum swings.
Kyrgios then held to love to move 5-3 ahead and broke Sabalenka again to close out the first set 6-3. Sabalenka threatened a comeback in the second set when she won three consecutive games to lead 3-1, but Kyrgios responded by winning the next five games. He clinched the match on his third match point, finishing with another 6-3 set scoreline.
Entertainment and competitiveness shared the stage
While the match was staged as a spectacle, both players described it as demanding. Kyrgios acknowledged the challenge of facing the women’s world No 1, noting that he had to “strap in” as Sabalenka applied pressure and produced high-quality shots. He also suggested the scoreline could have been closer and said he would be open to playing again.
Sabalenka, for her part, said she felt good and believed she “put up a great fight,” adding that she enjoyed the show. She highlighted aspects of her performance such as making strong shots, moving to the net, and using drop shots. Sabalenka also said that if they played again, she would feel better prepared tactically, having learned more about Kyrgios’ strengths and weaknesses.
Player reactions after the match
Kyrgios was careful about how he framed the result, describing the event as a hard-fought battle with breaks “back and forth.” He also said he would not call himself the champion of the night, instead emphasizing the value of having a player like Sabalenka involved and describing the match as a “spectacle.” He added that he was nervous going into the contest and suggested not many people would volunteer to be in that position.
Sabalenka said the court setup required adjustments and described playing against a man as “completely different tennis,” with everything being much faster. She also characterized the match as good fitness and reiterated her interest in another meeting, saying she loves to challenge herself.
Context: the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ label in tennis
The Dubai event drew comparisons with one of the most famous matches in tennis history: Billie Jean King’s victory over Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome in 1973. That exhibition followed Riggs defeating Margaret Court earlier that year. Other contests that have carried the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ label include Jimmy Connors defeating Martina Navratilova in 1992.
In Dubai, the concept was revisited through modern presentation and modified rules, but it still aimed to create a competitive environment while acknowledging differences in the men’s and women’s games. The adjustments—Sabalenka’s reduced court size and the one-serve restriction—were central to how the match was structured and discussed.
Key takeaways from the Dubai exhibition
Kyrgios won 6-3 6-3 in around 70 minutes, with the match played under modified rules.
Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by nine per cent, and both players had only one serve per point.
The contest blended entertainment and competition, including under-arm serves from Kyrgios and a dancing timeout from Sabalenka.
Both players spoke positively afterward, describing the match as tough and expressing interest in playing again.
The event was positioned within the history of tennis exhibitions that have used the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ label.
Looking ahead
Although the match was an exhibition, it provided a high-profile setting for Kyrgios amid an injury-affected year and offered Sabalenka a different kind of competitive challenge. Sabalenka said she would take positives from the experience into the new season, while Kyrgios framed the night as a showcase for both players and a potential stepping stone for tennis as a sport.