Kyrgios, currently ranked 671 in the men's rankings, defeated the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in straight sets.
Posted on December 28, 2025
Nick Kyrgios defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes,” a highly publicized showdown with changed rules that divided tennis fans.
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday in an exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
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Back then, the stakes were higher, as the nascent women's professional circuit, created by King, was fighting for legitimacy and prize money for female players was still far inferior to that of men.
King, one of women's soccer's all-time greats who was at the peak of her powers at age 29, defeated Riggs, 55, a standout player in her era, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston, Texas, United States.
On Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka's side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios' power and speed advantage.
Kyrgios has fallen to 671st in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches in the last three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to beat four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka, 27.
The Australian maverick was drenched in sweat and looked out of breath in the second set, after trailing 1-3, as his opponent danced to the music during a strategic timeout. But she persevered and made it 3-3 after Belarusian Sabalenka sent a shot from distance.
Kyrgios, who shortened points with cheeky dropshots and used variations on his serve to good effect, pulled away to seal victory on serve before sharing a warm embrace with Sabalenka at the net.
“Honestly, it was a really tough match. She's a great competitor,” he said.
“I had to buckle down because she was pushing and in the end it was a very close battle.”
Sabalenka said she would “love” a rematch.
“I felt great. I put up a great fight. He was fighting. He was getting tired. I was happy to see that,” he said.
“It was a great level [of tennis]. I made a lot of great shots. I really enjoyed the show. I feel like the next time I play against him, I will know all his tactics and strengths.”
