'The world is dumber': Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka as 'absolutely awful' Battle of the Sexes clash slammed
Updated . First published at
Nick Kyrgios has won the latest version of the Battle of the Sexes, beating top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality.
There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, over-the-top grunting on shots, and even some dancing from Sabalenka during a timeout to entertain the crowd at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up who has played only six tour-level matches in the last three years because of wrist and knee injuries, appeared to play within himself at times and faced the disadvantage of Sabalenka’s side of the court being nearly 10 per cent smaller in an attempt to level the playing field.
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The players were only given one serve per point, rather than two.
Kyrgios was drenched in sweat by the time he clinched victory off his third match point and the pair were all smiles when they embraced at the net.
Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios embrace after the match Getty
Kyrgios acknowledged feeling nervous and having to “strap in.”
“I think this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis,” the Australian said.
"Honestly, it was a really tough match. She is a hell of a player and such a great champion. She broke my serve numerous times, and I had to strap in.
"Honestly, I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank. Ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle."
Sabalenka said the match was good preparation for next season, with the Australian Open coming up in January, and would like to play Kyrgios again to exact “revenge.”
"I think I put up a great fight. He was struggling, he got really tired," said Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts during the match Getty
"I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots.
"Really enjoyed the show. Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure.
"I love to challenge myself and I'd love to play again."
While the reaction from both players was positive, not everyone was on board with how the controversial Battle of the Sexes reboot played out.
"It is a just an exhibition and pointless," former British player Greg Rusedski said via X.
"Not sure this helps tennis. Kyrgios underarm serve, drop shot. Not a good look."
The term Battle of the Sexes was borrowed from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets in the Houston Astrodome and took place amid King’s efforts to start a female tour and get equal pay in tennis.
More than two decades on and the latest iteration had no wider cultural significance.
Sabalenka and Kyrgios — members of the same agency that arranged the exhibition — just wanted to put on a show, engage a younger audience and make some money.
