Overview
- Nick Kyrgios defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a televised exhibition at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
- The match used modified rules, including one serve per point and a receiving side for Sabalenka that was about 9% smaller.
- Criticism from former players, journalists and fans said the event trivialised the women’s game and misappropriated the 1973 King–Riggs legacy.
- Sabalenka and Kyrgios defended the showcase, saying it highlighted quality tennis, drew significant attention and they did not understand the negativity.
- Promoter Evolve said the contest was for pride with compensation via appearance fees rather than prize money, as Sabalenka turns to the Australian Open and Kyrgios pursues a Brisbane wildcard comeback.