Nick Kyrgios comfortably beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a friendly exhibition in Dubai, reviving the Battle of the Sexes format. The nearly retired Australian outplayed the world No. 1 in an entertainment-focused match that has sparked debate on women's tennis. Both players downplayed the match's seriousness, but Kyrgios's win reopens discussions on equality in the sport.
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Dubai, Nick Kyrgios, the 30-year-old Australian tennis player who has been on the verge of retirement for three years and now works as a TV commentator, defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 in the WTA circuit, 6-3, 6-3 in the 'Battle of the Sexes 2.0'. This friendly match between friends was an exhibition to make money, common in modern tennis, but it was presented as a duel between equals with adjustments like 9% less space on Sabalenka's side of the court and a single ball for both players' serves.
The match was not taken seriously: there were numerous errors and strange shots, with Kyrgios playing at half speed and not hitting the ball with his usual full force. In the rare serious exchanges, Sabalenka, known for dominating her rivals, appeared inferior, falling behind without resources. This has been criticized as a disservice to women's tennis, as it provides arguments to those questioning economic equality in tournaments, despite the WTA circuit having achieved equal prizes in major events for decades.
The Battle of the Sexes evokes the iconic 1973 matches, when 55-year-old Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court but lost to Billie Jean King, a symbolic victory for advocating women's professional tennis circuit. In contrast, Kyrgios's win, by a talented polemicist, could threaten to reopen a debate considered closed.
After the match, Kyrgios admitted to nerves and physical limitations: "I don't think many people would have dared to play this match, especially in my state. Aryna was ready for the challenge. I played under pressure because I've been out of the game for two years. I could hardly use my right hand". He praised his opponent: "She's an incredible tennis player. When she moved from side to side and hit some shots, I thought the difference with elite players is smaller. Anything could have happened".
Sabalenka, satisfied, said: "I felt great. I think I put up a great fight. He was having difficulties. He got very tense. I think it was a high-level match and now I know his strengths and weaknesses. The next match I play with him will be better. I'd love to play again".