Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are publicly emphasizing the positives of their "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match held in Dubai, despite the wave of criticism it has garnered. The match, which took place at the Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday, December 28, 2025, saw Kyrgios defeat Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3. However, the event, intended to be a modern take on Billie Jean King's historic victory over Bobby Riggs, was met with considerable backlash from the tennis community and fans online, who questioned its relevance and overall spectacle.
The criticism largely centered on the rule changes implemented for the match, which were designed to level the playing field. Organizers reduced Sabalenka's side of the court by nine percent and limited both players to a single serve per point. These modifications were intended to compensate for perceived differences in speed and power between male and female players. However, many fans felt that these adjustments skewed the contest from the start, especially considering Sabalenka's position as the world's number one female player and her impressive Grand Slam performance this year. In contrast, Kyrgios, who was the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, is currently ranked 671 on the men's tour and has struggled with fitness, having played only six matches in the last two years.
Despite the criticism, both Kyrgios and Sabalenka defended the exhibition. They expressed their belief that the match was an entertaining contest that brought more attention to tennis. Kyrgios acknowledged the challenges he faced during the match, stating, "It was a really tough match. She is a hell of a player and such a great champion,". He also admitted to feeling nervous before the match. Sabalenka, echoed his sentiments, maintaining a positive outlook despite the defeat.
The "Battle of the Sexes" concept isn't new to tennis. The original "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973 between Bobby Riggs and Margaret Court, followed by Riggs and Billie Jean King, became a significant moment for women's rights and gender equality in sports. However, critics argue that the current exhibition trivializes this historical significance and reduces it to a publicity stunt. Rennae Stubbs, a former Grand Slam doubles champion, voiced her skepticism, suggesting that the match was primarily driven by financial incentives.
Social media was flooded with negative reactions, with many viewers expressing frustration over the staging of the match. Some commentators described the event as a "farce," criticizing the modified rules and court dimensions. Others questioned Sabalenka's decision to participate, arguing that it could be detrimental to women's tennis.
Despite the controversy, Kyrgios and Sabalenka remain optimistic about the impact of their match. They believe that it provided entertainment and exposure for the sport, regardless of the debate surrounding its format and historical context. The event undoubtedly sparked conversation within the tennis world, raising questions about gender dynamics and the relevance of such exhibitions in the modern era. Whether it ultimately proves to be a positive or negative influence remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
