In a highly anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match held at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Nick Kyrgios triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s world No. 1 player. Kyrgios won the match 6-3, 6-3. He led with his talent and competitive spirit, bouncing back from a difficult past few years filled with injuries.
With flexible rules that prevented anyone from relaxing, the match was a spectacle. Participants only had one serve per try, and the court was a bit smaller which made things really interesting and exciting. Kyrgios, the unorthodox maverick of men’s tennis, used his trademark underarm serves, as well as the sneaky half-volley chip, helping to keep Tsitsipas on his toes.
Kyrgios called it a “really difficult match”, noting Sabalenka’s impressive display. He acknowledged her talent, stating, “Honestly it was a really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion.” Kyrgios lost a year of prime productivity to injury, competing in just six ATP Tour matches over the last three calendar years. Nonetheless, he still managed to demonstrate remarkable levelheadedness and poise during gameplay.
In the second set of the match, Kyrgios started strong after he won the first game of the second set to take an early lead. But Sabalenka responded almost immediately, reeling off three straight games to lead 3-1, showing the tooth-and-nail style that characterized their intense battle. At the end it was a tremendous battle, and there were runs both ways,” he said following the match.
Kyrgios’ climb back up to the cusp of competitive tennis should not be overlooked. After a total of four rounds of surgeries on his knee and wrist, he has battled some serious adversity in his return. As of now, he is ranked 671 in the world. He’s looking forward to making his competitive debut at the Brisbane International tournament from January 4-11 having accepted a wildcard into the event. Nevertheless, he is still yet to have an entry into the upcoming Australian Open.
Speaking about his experience in the exhibition match, Kyrgios reflected on how he was feeling to be back competing. And I’m lucky—on the ground where I was, I wouldn’t have been able to use my right hand. To just honestly even get back out here and compete with Sabalenka, it’s, man, it’s emotional,” he said.
Kyrgios had more to say on the importance of the exhibition in general. He sees it as a positive step for tennis, stating that it serves as “a stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis.” He highlighted his excitement for future encounters, expressing interest in playing against Sabalenka again: “Honestly, I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank.”
Kyrgios’ run to the final in Dubai represents a redemptive return to form. Doubts hang over his appearances in the world’s biggest tournaments. As he prepares for the Brisbane International, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to navigate his comeback journey.
