Nick Kyrgios Defeats Aryna Sabalenka in 2025 'Battle of the Sexes'

Smaller court, bigger spectacle. Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios clinched a victory against women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a high-profile exhibition match that tested both physical prowess and strategic adaptation.

Nick Kyrgios Aryna Sabalenka 2025 Match Conditions

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Dubai, UAE, the tennis world witnessed a modern twist on the classic gender showdown. Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 under modified rules designed to level the playing field. To offset Kyrgios's raw power, Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced by 9%, and each player was restricted to a single serve per point.

Despite playing only six ATP matches over the last three seasons and sitting at rank 671, the 30-year-old Australian used cheeky drop shots and serve variations to stay ahead. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, kept the pressure high, even dancing to music during timeouts while a sweat-drenched Kyrgios struggled for breath in the second set.

Legacy of the Battle of the Sexes

While this match was purely exhibition, it inevitably drew comparisons to the 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Unlike the politically charged atmosphere of the '70s, today's clash in Dubai was a celebration of tennis talent. According to Reuters, Sabalenka is already eager for a rematch, stating she now understands his tactics and strengths better.