Bringing back history, the 2025 Battle of the Sexes took an unexpected turn. Aryna Sabalenka faced ATP’s Nick Kyrgios in a fiery showdown that had fans buzzing long before the first serve. The twist? The Belarusian’s court was made 9% smaller than Nick’s, adding spice to the spectacle and upping the stakes. Anticipation was sky high, and the energy inside the arena was electric. After a fierce two-set contest, Kyrgios prevailed over Sabalenka, 6-3, 6-3, to claim the exhibition win. Yet World No.1 Sabalenka didn’t back down.

A packed Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena roared for the four-time Grand Slam champ and the former No.13 Aussie. She unleashed her top game but couldn’t outlast the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. Still, Aryna gave it her all and even gave herself a cheeky pat on the back and a little message for Kyrgios:

“He was struggling,” Aryna Sabalenka said post-match, “He got really tired, and it was nice to see the guy getting tired and taking away one of my serves. Yeah, I think it was a great level. I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, great drop shots made, great serving, and yeah, I really enjoyed the show. And I think, not I think, I feel like next time, when I play him, I’ll already know the tactic, I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and it’s gonna be a better match for sure!”

During the match, Kyrgios snagged the match’s only ace, 1-0. But Sabalenka shone in clutch moments, logging just 1 unforced error to his 6 and 5 faults versus his lone double. It seemed like the match could go either way, but in the end, the former No.13 took the win anyway.

The 2025 “Battle of the Sexes” aimed to channel the spirit of the iconic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs at Houston’s Astrodome, where King swept to victory in straight sets. That match helped launch the women’s tour and pushed for equal pay. This latest version, though, was more spectacle than statement..

On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka is the dominant force of women’s tennis. Owning four Grand Slam titles, the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open and the 2024 and 2025 US Open, along with 21 WTA titles. Twice crowned WTA Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025, the Belarusian continues to stamp her authority on the sport.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios, the Aussie showman who finished runner-up at Wimbledon in 2022, has barely played since, with wrist and knee issues limiting him to six tour-level matches. But under the lights, he reminded everyone how good he can be. It ended in his favor, though he couldn’t help but applaud his opponent’s fight.

Kyrgios praises Aryna Sabalenka’s game

The match was full of surprises for sure. The modified court setup looked a bit awkward at first, but Sabalenka didn’t blink. In the first set, she adjusted in no time and blasted two winners past Nick Kyrgios to grab the opening game 40-30. She did toss one serve long at 30-15, a quick reality check that this one-serve format takes getting used to. Still, she looked comfortable dealing with Kyrgios’s heavy topspin and raw power as the Aussie quickly evened things up by the end, taking the win.

In his post-match chat, Nick Kyrgios admitted it wasn’t easy. “Honestly, it was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor and obviously such a great champion. She’s a multiple Grand Slam champion,” he said, giving Sabalenka plenty of credit. His words captured the respect between the two, despite the unusual conditions on the court.

He added, “I didn’t know what to expect. As I said before this, whatever role I was about to play, it was another great opportunity to go out here. She broke my serve numerous times.” And she sure did. Even when Sabalenka lost her serve to love, she broke straight back, refusing to let the momentum slip.

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Then came some flair from Kyrgios. The Aussie responded with a crafty serve-and-volley drop shot that had the crowd buzzing. But Aryna wasn’t backing down. She fired right back with a drop shot winner of her own to level the match at 2–2, prompting more cheers and a few surprised looks.

“Honestly, I had to strap in. She was putting the pressure on, hitting some amazing shots,” Kyrgios added. “I would love to play her again to showcase her talent and show what I have got left in the tank.”

He may have taken the win this time, but Aryna Sabalenka’s already eyeing round two. Maybe their next battle awaits as the 2026 season edges closer. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!