DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Nick Kyrgios won the latest version of tennis’ “Battle of the Sexes,” beating top women’s player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than a milestone for gender equality.
There was laughter and joking between the players, underarm serves, over-the-top grunting at shots, and even Sabalenka dancing during a timeout to entertain the crowd at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai – where the most expensive tickets sold for almost $800.
Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up who has played just six tour-level matches in the past three years due to wrist and knee injuries, appeared to be playing within himself at times and was at the disadvantage of Sabalenka’s side of the court being almost 10% smaller in an attempt to level the playing field. The players received only one serve per point, instead of two.
Kyrgios was drenched in sweat by the time he secured victory on his third match point and the pair were all smiles as they hugged at the net.
Kyrgios acknowledged that he was nervous and had to buckle down.
“I think this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis,” said the Australian.
Sabalenka said the match was good preparation for next season, with the Australian Open in January, and would like to play Kyrgios again to get “revenge”.
“I really enjoyed the show,” she said, “and I feel like the next time I play against him I will know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will definitely be a better match.”
The so-called “Battle of the Sexes” was a name taken from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome and took place amid King’s efforts to start a women’s tour and gain equal pay in tennis.
Fifty-two years later, the final version had no real broader cultural significance. Instead, Sabalenka and Kyrgios – members of the same agency, Evolve, that arranged the exhibition – just wanted to put on a show, appeal to a younger audience and make some money.
Kyrgios could be considered a controversial choice to play in such a match, as he has pleaded guilty to pushing an ex-girlfriend to the ground during an argument in 2021 – escaping conviction on charges of common assault – and has previously voiced his opposition to equal pay in tennis.
#Kyrgios #defeats #Sabalenka #Battle #Sexes