Kyrgios defeats Sabalenka in updated ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match

More than 50 years after the original ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, the men finally get their revenge with Nick Kyrgios defeating the top-ranked woman Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in the exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates, though neither player really took the match overly serious. The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai was the venue for the entertainment as both players engaged in underhand serves, excessive grunting sounds and even some dancing to keep the crowd entertained.

This ‘Battle of the Sexes’ was a supposed throwback to the legendary 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs inside the Houston Astrodome, which King won in straight sets. That monumental event took place amid King’s efforts to start a women’s tour and get equal pay in tennis. But the 2025 version had no such stakes or larger cultural significance.

What are Kyrgios and Sabalenka’s world rankings?

Aryna Sabalenka currently stands as the best women’s tennis player in the world. She is ranked No. 1 in the WTA rankings.

The 27-year-old from Belarus has won four Grand Slam events – the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open and the 2024 and 2025 US Open – and 21 total WTA tournaments. She was also named WTA Player of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.

Kyrgios has had a successful tennis career, even finishing as runner-up at Wimbledon in 2022. Since then however, Kyrgios has played in just six tour-level matches due to wrist and knee injuries. As of December 2025, he is ranked 670th in the ATP rankings.

Will Kyrgios, Sabalenka play again?

After their match, Sabalenka expressed interest in playing Kyrgios again, hoping to gain a measure of ‘revenge.’

‘I feel like next time I play him I’m going to know the tactics, his strengths and his weaknesses,’ Sabalenka said. ‘It’s going to be a better match, for sure.’

Did Sabalenka get any advantages in the match?

Yes. In an effort to create a more fair experience, Sabalenka’s side of the court was approximately 10% smaller, making it more difficult for Kyrgios to land shots.

Nick Kyrgios controversy

Kyrgios was a controversial pick for this ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match. Not only has the 30-year-old Australian pled guilty to pushing an ex-girlfriend during an argument in 2021, but he has also previously opposed equal pay in men and women’s tennis.