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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, December 28, 2025Photo credit score: Christopher Pike/Getty
Aryna Sabalenka placed on a present, however Nick Kyrgios closed the showdown.
Kyrgios got here again from 1-3 down within the second set defeating Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in right now’s Battle of the Sexes exhibition match on the Coca Cola Enviornment in Dubai.
World No. 1 Sabalenka smiled and danced at occasions in the course of the contest, whereas Kyrgios regarded a bit extra confused however dealt with the strain denying the packed enviornment a possible third-set tiebreaker.
“In fact I used to be nervous. I don’t suppose many individuals would put their hand as much as be on this place,” Kyrgios stated. “The scoreline was nearer, I used to be below the pump there—I used to be nervous. This was all of the world was speaking about for the previous six months.
“To even get again out right here and play, and play somebody as nice as Aryna is fairly emotional.”
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Fifty-two years after Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs within the authentic Battle of the Sexes showdown on the Houston Astrodome, this exhibition lacked the cultural affect, however nonetheless delivered some leisure worth.
Not like the King vs. Riggs best-of-three-set conflict again in 1973, this was a streamlined Battle of the Sexes format.
It was a best-of-three-set match. Every participant obtained just one serve somewhat than the normal two serves per level and Sabalenka’s facet of the courtroom was 9 p.c smaller in each size and width giving her much less courtroom to cowl and Kyrgios much less area to strike.
Afterward, Sabalenka stated she noticed Kyrgios was tight and tried to make him play.
“I felt nice, I feel I put up an important combat,” Sabalenka stated. “He was struggling, he obtained actually tight—and I used to be glad to see one of many guys getting tight and getting a win on my serve.
“I feel it was an important degree, I performed a variety of nice photographs. Actually loved the present. I really feel like subsequent time, after I play him, I do know the techniques, his strengths, his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a greater match for certain.”
In a match between two explosive energy gamers, Kyrgios usually opted to play the drop shot and junk balls to disclaim Sabalenka tempo. The match was deadlocked 3-all when Kyrgios broke for 4-3. He proceeded to expire the opening set.
Sweating profusely, Kyrgios needed to hustle to finish a straight-sets victory.
“It was a very powerful match. she’s a hell of a competitor, and such an important champion,” Kyrgios stated. “I didn’t actually know what to anticipate, and no matter function I used to be to play, this was one other alternative to exit and play.
“She broke my serve quite a few occasions, she was placing the strain on, hitting some superb photographs. I might like to play her once more.
“In the end, it was a very hard-fought battle. I wouldn’t name myself the champion tonight. I feel this can be a nice stepping-stone ahead for the game of tennis.”
This was really their second assembly within the final month.
The pair squared off in combined doubles on the Backyard Cup at Madison Sq. Backyard final month. Kyrgios, dominating the online, and associate Naomi Osaka edged Sabalenka and Tommy Paul in a Fast4 set.
Throughout that match, Sabalenka tried to drill Kyrgios, sporting a shaved head beneath his baseball cap, with just a few excessive volleys.
Tonight, Sabalenka really appeared the more energizing of the 2 by the point the 2 units have been carried out.
The Belarusian left the courtroom hoping the pair can reunite in a rematch.
“I really like rematches, and I prefer to problem myself,” Sabalenka stated. “I might like to play once more.”
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