Dubai: Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a much-hyped “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match on Sunday, an event that sparked debate across the tennis world due to its altered format and rules. Played in Dubai, the contest ended with Kyrgios winning 6-3, 6-3, though it bore little resemblance to the historic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Unlike the landmark match five decades ago – which carried enormous significance for women’s tennis and the fight for equal recognition and prize money – Sunday’s encounter was largely symbolic and experimental. In 1973, King, at the height of her career, defeated the then 55-year-old Riggs in straight sets, a victory that became a defining moment for the women’s professional game.
To balance physical differences in the Dubai exhibition, organisers introduced modified rules. Both players were limited to a single serve, and Sabalenka’s half of the court was reduced by nine percent in an effort to curb Kyrgios’ power and speed, according to media reports.
Despite slipping to world number 671 after playing only six ATP matches over the past three seasons, the 30-year-old Australian showed flashes of his former level. That proved enough to overcome Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, in a match that prioritised spectacle over tradition.
