Sabalenka Faces Kyrgios in 'Battle of the Sexes' Exhibition - What Was Achieved?
In a much-anticipated showdown in Dubai, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top female tennis player, took on Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match that stirred up all sorts of questions before the game even started. Nicknamed the new "Battle of the Sexes," this event raised curiosity about its purpose, especially considering Kyrgios' low ranking due to a series of injuries. Sabalenka, 27, had just wrapped up a stellar year, securing four titles, including the US Open, and was already on top of the women's tennis world. For her, facing Kyrgios seemed like an intriguing challenge. But what was it really setting out to achieve?
Kyrgios, at 30, and ranked 671st in the men’s world, had his own reasons for accepting the challenge. The match was a chance for him to stay in the public eye and prepare for a potential comeback in 2026, after dealing with serious wrist issues. But when the match finally took place, it didn't live up to the hype. Kyrgios won easily in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, in a contest that lacked the intensity expected from such a billed event. As former British number one Annabel Croft put it, "I think it didn’t quite live up to what I thought it might be."
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A key point of discussion was what Sabalenka gained from the match. While it certainly boosted her visibility—she was already the most successful female player of the year—the match was likely more about spectacle than sport. It was a chance to reach new audiences, especially those who might not typically watch tennis. And, of course, there was the financial aspect. Even though Sabalenka earned £11m last season, the prospect of adding more to her bank balance might have been appealing. But not everyone was convinced that it was a good idea. Critics argued that the match would stir up unnecessary comparisons between the women’s and men’s games, but Sabalenka defended it, stating, “We just brought more attention to our sport, and I don’t see how it can be bad.”
The match was played on a modified court where Sabalenka’s side was reduced by 9%, making it harder for her to return shots. Both players were restricted to one serve each, and that appeared to affect Sabalenka more than Kyrgios. She missed several first serves at crucial moments, which hindered her game. Despite these challenges, Sabalenka showed flashes of her usual competitive fire. She even entertained the crowd by dancing to the Macarena during a timeout, making it clear that this wasn’t a serious contest.
For Kyrgios, the exhibition match also offered an opportunity for redemption. His reputation has taken a hit in recent years due to controversial behavior, but in this match, he was able to show a more mature side. Speaking after the match, he acknowledged Sabalenka’s skill, saying, “Honestly, it was a really tough match… She’s a hell of a competitor.” He also pointed out that the event was a positive step for tennis, saying, “It truly was a spectacle. This is a great stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis.”
So, what was the lasting impact of this “Battle of the Sexes”? While it didn’t quite match the historical significance of Billie Jean King’s victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973, it did attract attention and brought new eyes to the sport. The exhibition was more about entertainment than competition, and the crowd, though small, seemed to appreciate the fun of the event. Both players profited from it, and it’s likely that more such events will take place in the future as tennis looks for ways to mix sports with entertainment. However, as one spectator summed it up, "The fun factor fell a bit short of what might have been expected."
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