Kyrgios, currently ranked 671st in the men’s rankings, defeated the Grand Slam singles champion in straight sets.
Published December 28, 2025
Nick Kyrgios defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a much-publicized “battle of the sexes” with rule changes that divided tennis fans.
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai on Sunday, but the match bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
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At the time, the nascent Women’s Pro Tour, founded by King, was fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players, which was still far lower than for male players.
One of the all-time greats of women’s competition, at the height of her power, King defeated the 55-year-old Riggs, the top player at the time, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
On Sunday, each player received just one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were reduced by 9 percent to limit Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.
Kyrgios has fallen to No. 671 in the rankings after just six ATP appearances over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian was still good enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.
The maverick Australian looked sweaty and out of breath in the second set, trailing 3-1 as her opponent danced to the music during a strategic timeout, but hung on to make it 3-3 after Belarus’ Sabalenka hit a long-range shot.
Kyrgios closed out the points with a cheeky drop shot and used some effective variations on his serve, before exchanging a warm embrace with Sabalenka at the net before pulling away to seal victory with his serve.
“To be honest, it was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor,” Kyrgios said.
“I had to stay strong because she put pressure on me. It was a really tough fight in the end.”
Sabalenka said she would “love” the rematch.
“I felt really good. I had a great fight. He was struggling. He was getting tired. I was happy to see that,” she said.
“It was a great level (of tennis). He made a lot of great shots. I really enjoyed the show. I feel like the next time I play against him, I know all his tactics and strengths.”
