Kyrgios Stages a Glamorous Showdown, Topples Sabalenka in Dubai's Battle of the Sexes
28 December 2025
Dubai Battle Overview
Australian Nick Kyrgios sealed the latest exhibition duel, billed as the Battle of the Sexes, by defeating world No. 1 Sabalenka, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, in Dubai on Sunday evening.
The match featured special rule tweaks intended to narrow the gap between the sexes, including a 9% reduction in Sabalenka's side of the court.
Rules, Results and Attendees
Both players were limited to a single serve per point instead of the standard two, a change designed for a more spectator friendly spectacle.
Despite a long layoff due to injuries, Kyrgios played only a handful of singles matches this year, yet prevailed 6-3, 6-3 in about 70 minutes, with no deciding tiebreak needed.
The clash echoed one of tennis history's most famous meetings, Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973, which King won.
The event drew football legends among the spectators, including Ronaldo, Kaká, and former England striker Peter Crouch.
Punchline 1: If gender battles are this entertaining, we might need a weekly season.
Punchline 2: Kyrgios did not just win the match; he also won Dubai's snack budget.
