DUBAI – Nick Kyrgios emerged victorious in a spirited “Battle of the Sexes” tennis exhibition, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-3, 6-3. While the event entertained more than it broke new ground for gender equality, it provided an enjoyable showcase for fans.

The atmosphere was light-hearted, with both players sharing laughs and jokes on the court. Sabalenka delighted the audience with a dance during a timeout, while Kyrgios occasionally used underarm serves and exaggerated grunts to add to the fun. The event took place at Dubai’s 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena, where ticket prices reached nearly $800.

Despite his limited play in recent years due to wrist and knee injuries, Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, played with ease. In an effort to balance the match, Sabalenka’s court was approximately 10% smaller, and both players were restricted to a single serve per point.

Kyrgios, who was visibly perspiring, secured the win on his third match point. The pair exchanged smiles and a warm embrace at the net, showcasing the friendly nature of the contest.

Reflecting on the match, Kyrgios admitted to feeling nervous but was determined to “strap in” and give his best performance.

“I think this is a great stepping stone for the sport of tennis,” the Australian said.

Sabalenka said the match was good prep for next season, with the Australian Open coming up in January, and would like to play Kyrgios again to exact “revenge.”

“Really enjoyed the show,” she said, “and I feel like next time I play him I’m going to know the tactics, his strengths and his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match, for sure.”

The so-called “Battle of the Sexes” was a name borrowed from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets in the Houston Astrodome and took place amid King’s efforts to start a female tour and get equal pay in tennis.

Fifty-two years on and the latest iteration had no real wider cultural significance. Instead, Sabalenka and Kyrgios — members of the same agency, Evolve, that arranged the exhibition — just wanted to put on a show, engage a younger audience and make some money.

Kyrgios might be regarded as a controversial choice to play in such a match, given he pleaded guilty to shoving a former girlfriend to the ground during an argument in 2021 — he escaped conviction on a charge of common assault — and has previously expressed his opposition to equal pay in tennis.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis