Nick Kyrgios30 years old, physically diminished and 673 in the ATP ranking, won by a double 3-6 against Aryna Sabalenkathree years younger than the Australian and current world number one in women’s tennis. The party of … The exhibition showed, despite the rules attempting to equalize the physical differences between the two competitors, that the rules should be adjusted to make the duel closer. Sabalenka was seen penalized by the decision not to have a second service and slightly disconcerted by the reduction in the measurements of the piece, which left it without its usual references. He took a risk and paid for it, while Kyrgios limited himself to putting the balls inside the regulation zone, without risking an iota. abuse the left to beat the Belarusian. The Qatari heat also played its part.
The exhibition was not without controversy, as always when reference is made to any confrontation between the two sexes due to prejudice based on the mistaken belief that one gender is superior to the other. Billie Jean Kingprotagonist of the 1973 Battle of the Sexes that forever changed modern tennis, let slip in statements to the BBC that that match between Kyrgios and Sabalenka had little or nothing to do with the one she played. His fight, he assured, was for social change. Something in which Sabalenka agreed. “We are here to take tennis to another level, to help our sport grow,” he said during the event presentation. The Belarusian, current number 1 in the world rankings, imitated one of the most famous tennis matches in history, when in 1973 Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.
“I’ve worked really hard, I’m prepared. I think by putting myself in this situation, I’m inspiring the next generations to be courageous and to challenge themselves. Women have already shown that we deserve equality. I want to show that we are capable of fighting a big fight with a man”… pic.twitter.com/LCEiksQqNr
– ESPN Tennis (@ESPNtenis) December 28, 2025
The match attempted to even out the differences between the two players with modified regulations: the Dubai match was played best of three sets and applying different rules, limiting each player to a single serve; Furthermore, on the side of Sabalenka track reduced by 9% and a deciding tie-break of 10 points was stipulated if necessary. “It’s a great training session for me and a great message for the girls: I hope they see how strong and tough I am against a guy,” the Belarusian said before the match. Kyrgiosentered the duel having played only five individual matches this year due to his numerous injuries, the most recent of which dates back to March. With Aged 30, he was ranked 673 in the ATP rankings.
Sabalenka walks down the steps of the Dubai Pavilion in a colorful outfit
The show began with music from the legendary film “Rocky”. Sabalenka walked through the stands wearing a shiny silver coat as sound played over the PA system. “The Eye of the Tiger” . The show above all. After the gathering, the moment of truth. The Belarusian started one meter behind the line, trying to maintain the distances she is used to and Kyrgios had to hit more loosely than usual so as not to send the ball. The audience, applauding the women’s points. Kyrgios took the first point thanks to an unforced error from Sabalenka but the number one scored the opener. THE jokes and good vibes It was the usual tone in these first moments. The second match was won quickly by Kyrgios thanks to his serve.
Break in favor of Kyrgioswho made 1-2 with a shutout against a Sabalenka penalized by the regulations, which only allowed one service even though it is her great weapon, with usually 180 kilometers/hour. The Belarusian returned the station wagon to make the score 2-2, delighting the audience and leaving a few jokes along the way. The Australian complained about the heat what he did in Dubai, but he took the advantage (2-3) thanks to a long ball to Sabalenka. They both played better than the others, because in the sixth game there was the fourth consecutive break (3-3) and the Belarusian’s serve.
The service penalizes Sabalenka, who loses two game points and gives the advantage to Kyrgios, who breaks his serve again to take the advantage (3-4). Dangerous momentbecause if the Australian won her serve, which is usually common and which in this match seemed to be the exception, he forced the Belarusian not to fail so that the first set did not escape her. With Kyrgios’ snifflesbroken after 40 minutes of exposure, stars like Kaká and Ronaldo Nazario entered the pavilion, who greeted each other to be seen on the screens.
The match fell to Kyrgios, who was finally able to keep your service. And he put Sabalenka on the ropes with a 0-40. Three set points for the Australian almost without breaking a sweat. The first saved the first, saved the second with a parallel, but he completed the set with a drop shot which Sabalenka could not save by sending her ball into the net, which she could not even save when she was very forced.
The second set began with a series of drop shots allowing Kyrgios to score the first game, despite some big shots from Sabalenka. The Belarusian equalized the score (1-1) with a shutout. AND won the next two to make the score 3-1. The Nordic team took advantage, leading 30-0, served by Kyrgios, who reacted to equalize at 30-30. Sabalenka asked for some free time and took the opportunity to dance the “Macarena”. The show above all. Kyrgios saved the game “at the last minute”: 3-2.
He matched three Kyrgios break the service in Sabalenka. The Australian was very tired and the Belarusian was penalized by having only one serve. The man was able to do it directly, performing a good service at place 3-4 and threaten her rival, forced to minimize her mistakes. The Qatari heat was strong. Kyrgios, with the help of the net (he took the lead thanks to a lucky shot) broke Sabalenka’s serve and left the court. match seen for sentence (3-5). The Australian took the lead in the last match. He had two match points. He lost first and called a time out. He also lost the second. But they finally won after a women’s error (3-6, 3-6).
About The Author
