In a spectacular and unconventional tennis showdown, the fiery Australian Nick Kyrgios has emerged victorious against the current women's world number one, Aryna Sabalenka. The highly anticipated 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match took place on Saturday, 28th December 2025, at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai.
An Unconventional Contest with Modified Rules
This fourth edition of the historic 'Battle of the Sexes' series, echoing past clashes like Riggs vs. King, was far from a standard tennis match. Organisers introduced significant modifications to the court and rules in an attempt to level the playing field between the male and female competitors.
Most notably, Sabalenka's side of the court was made 9% smaller. This adjustment was designed to compensate for the perceived difference in power and shot speed between the players. Furthermore, in a move that disrupted the rhythm of the game, both athletes were restricted to just one serve per point, leading to numerous double faults and unpredictable rallies throughout the contest.
Kyrgios Secures Straight-Sets Victory
Despite the unusual conditions, Nick Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, managed to adapt his game effectively. He secured a win in straight sets against the formidable Belarusian, who currently sits atop the WTA rankings. The match was played on a court specially configured for this one-off event, drawing a global audience intrigued by the novel format.
The result adds a new chapter to the 'Battle of the Sexes' legacy, which includes famous matches between Bobby Riggs and Margaret Court, Riggs and Billie Jean King, and Jimmy Connors against Martina Navratilova. However, this Dubai encounter will be remembered for its unique experimental rules aimed at creating a more competitive spectacle.
What This Means for Exhibition Tennis
The event has sparked considerable debate within the tennis community and among fans. While some praise the innovation and entertainment value, others question the necessity of altering the fundamental dimensions and rules of the game. The success of the format, gauged by viewer engagement and player feedback, will likely influence whether similar exhibitions are staged in the future.
As the dust settles in Dubai, the focus for both players will swiftly return to the official ATP and WTA tours. Yet, for one night, the sporting world was captivated by a bold experiment that challenged conventional tennis norms and provided a thrilling, if unorthodox, spectacle.
