In a headline-grabbing exhibition clash, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has secured victory over women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a modern 'Battle of the Sexes' match held in Dubai.
Modified Rules Level the Playing Field
The contest, which took place on Sunday 28 December 2025, featured a set of unique rules designed to balance the physical disparities between the players. Each competitor was restricted to just one serve per point, removing the advantage of a powerful second serve. Furthermore, in a significant adjustment, Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced in size by 9%. This modification was implemented to compensate for the general difference in shot speed and power between male and female professionals.
Kyrgios, an often-controversial figure known for his mercurial talent, entered the match carrying a world ranking of 671, largely due to a severely injury-disrupted season. The Australian had managed only five singles matches throughout the entire year, with his most recent appearance dating back to March.
Straight-Sets Victory for the Australian Maverick
Despite his lack of match practice and lowly ranking, Kyrgios proved too strong under the special conditions. He defeated the reigning women's top seed in straight sets, with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 scoreline. The victory provided a memorable moment for the injury-wracked player and sparked widespread conversation within the sport.
The event was conceived as a contemporary echo of one of tennis's most iconic moments: the 1973 showdown at the Houston Astrodome where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs. That original match became a cultural landmark, and the Dubai exhibition aimed to revisit its themes of competition and spectacle across gender lines.
A Divided Reaction from the Tennis World
Unsurprisingly, the concept of the match divided opinion among fans, pundits, and players. Some praised it as an innovative and entertaining spectacle that celebrates tennis in a unique format, while others questioned the necessity and messaging of revisiting the 'Battle of the Sexes' narrative in the modern era.
The debate is likely to continue long after the final point was played. For Kyrgios, the win offers a positive highlight in a frustrating year dominated by physical setbacks. For Sabalenka, it was a rare foray into a cross-gender exhibition, testing her skills against a male opponent under adjusted constraints. The match in Dubai has undoubtedly reignited discussions about competition, entertainment, and the evolving landscape of professional tennis exhibitions.
