Kyrgios Defeats Sabalenka in Dubious ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Exhibition
the highly anticipated exhibition match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai descended into a spectacle more akin to a circus than a serious sporting contest, culminating in a 6-3, 6-3 victory for the Australian. The event, designed to capture attention on platforms like TikTok, sparked debate about its purpose and impact on the perception of the sport, with many questioning whether it truly served to “grow the game” as Kyrgios claimed.
The match, held earlier this month, saw Kyrgios, currently ranked 671st in the world with only one competitive singles win as the end of 2022, overpower the world No. 1 Sabalenka despite visibly struggling with his fitness early on. He was noticeably sweating and breathing heavily as early as the fifth game.
“It was a really tough match,” Kyrgios insisted following his win. “I didn’t know what to expect. She broke my serve numerous times and honestly she was hitting some amazing shots. She is a hell of a competitor. It could have gone either way.”
However, few observers shared his assessment.The contest was played under modified rules, including a 9% reduction in the size of Sabalenka’s side of the court, which was offset by limiting both players to a single serve – a change widely seen as favoring Kyrgios’s powerful service game. Throughout the match,Sabalenka frequently found herself scrambling to return Kyrgios’s serves. While she demonstrated remarkable shot-making and movement, the sense persisted that kyrgios held back, only unleashing his full potential when necessary.
The first set saw a pivotal moment when Sabalenka, leading 40-15 while serving at 3-3, committed two consecutive double faults. Kyrgios capitalized promptly, breaking serve and ultimately closing out the set. A dip in Kyrgios’s focus allowed Sabalenka to take a 3-1 lead in the second, but he quickly regained control, employing a combination of power and “junk tennis,” particularly effective sliced forehands that forced Sabalenka into uncomfortable net approaches. He then won five consecutive games to secure the victory.
The event’s entertainment value often overshadowed the tennis itself.During a second-set timeout, sabalenka performed the Macarena, while the public announcer distributed tennis balls from a Ralph Lauren bag. Kyrgios even used his 60-second timeout solely to regain his breath. A delay occurred earlier in the match to announce the arrival of former Brazilian footballers Kaká and Ronaldo.
The spectacle stood in stark contrast to the historic 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. While Riggs was well past his prime at 55, the stakes were considerably higher. King recognized that a loss could set women’s tennis back decades. Her victory,lauded by The Guardian as a “crushing,tactical,technical and psychological victory,” became a landmark moment for fairness,equality,and social justice,and substantially boosted the sport’s popularity.
Social media reaction to Kyrgios’s victory was sharply divided. While some celebrated the event, others – particularly tennis purists – expressed dismay. Kyrgios,acknowledging his less-than-peak fitness,maintained that the match would benefit the sport. “this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis,” he stated, even suggesting a rematch.”This was all the world was talking about for six months.”
Sabalenka echoed the sentiment,stating,”I feel I put on a great fight. He was struggling, he was getting really tired. I feel like next time I play him, I know the tactics, and his strengths and weaknesses.”
Ultimately, the match underscored the inherent physical advantages men possess in tennis due to the physiological changes brought on by puberty. The contest confirmed existing knowledge about the differences in speed, strength, and power between male and female athletes.
The match was broadcast live on the BBC, which issued three apologies for technical difficulties resulting in lost picture during the second set. Pre-match analysis from BBC commentators Russell Fuller and Annabel Croft acknowledged the exhibition’s nature, Kyrgios’s controversial past – including a previous assault conviction – and the involvement of the Evolve player agency, which represents both athletes. They suggested the event was intended as “fun and entertainment” rather than a competitive grand slam-level encounter. This assessment proved accurate, leaving many to question the BBC’s initial decision to acquire the broadcasting rights.
