Battle of the sexes 2025: Nick Kyrgios overpowers World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai
Nick Kyrgios marks an emotional return to tennis by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a modern-day “Battle of the Sexes” played under modified rules in Dubai.
Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka, Battle of Sexes 2025 | © Christopher Pike/Pool Photo via AP
Nick Kyrgios claimed a 6-3, 6-3 victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday night at the Coca-Cola Arena, concluding an exhibition that tested the boundaries of competitive equity in modern tennis.
The “Battle of the Sexes 2025” utilized a single-serve format and a 9 percent reduction in court surface for Sabalenka, rules designed to neutralize the physiological advantages of the men’s game. However, the stats tell a story of a chaotic, high-intensity encounter where Kyrgios’s survival depended more on raw shot-making than service or return dominance.
Sabalenka managed to win only three of her nine service games. Both sets progressed to 3-3 before Kyrgios closed each in a one-sided fashion. Out of 18 games played, only nine were won by the server, highlighting the volatility of the single-serve format.
The Stats: A High-Risk Battle
The single-serve rule transformed the match into a baseline slugfest. Kyrgios, deprived of his signature second-serve safety net, played with extreme aggression, resulting in a staggering 30 unforced errors. Despite the high error count, he managed to fire 22 winners, often catching Sabalenka off-guard with flicked forehands and drop shots. Kyrgios won 15 more points in total than Sabalenka out of 121 played.
Sabalenka, for her part, remained competitive by forcing Kyrgios into deep defensive positions. She struck 20 winners, proving that her power remains elite regardless of the opponent. However, her 35 unforced errors at critical junctures prevented her from capitalizing on the Australian’s volatility. Kyrgios eventually secured the win by converting six of his 15 break-point opportunities.
Kyrgios: “Emotional to be Back”
“It was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor,” Kyrgios said during the on-court interview. “I didn’t really know what to expect. She broke my serve numerous times. I had to strap in, honestly. She was hitting some amazing shots.”
For Kyrgios, the victory was more than symbolic. “From where I was two years ago, I was sidelined. I wasn’t able to use my right hand. To get back out here and compete with someone as great as Aryna is honestly pretty emotional. The scoreline was closer than it was; I was under the pump there.”
Sabalenka: “I Love Revenge”
Sabalenka appeared to relish making the ATP veteran uncomfortable. “He was struggling. He got really tight. I’m happy to see the guy getting tight when taking away one of my serves,” she noted with a smile. “I feel like next time I play him, I already know the tactic. I know his strengths and weaknesses. I love revenge.”
Looking toward her 2026 campaign, she added: “Playing against a guy is completely different tennis. Everything is much faster. After this match, I’m pretty much ready for the season.”
Kyrgios: “Truly a Spectacle”
Kyrgios concluded by framing the night as a pivotal moment for the industry: “Tennis is honestly… I wouldn’t call myself the champ tonight. Seeing someone as great as Aryna out here and myself… it truly is a spectacle. I think this is a great stepping stone forward for the sport.”
