Overview
- Nick Kyrgios defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in the Dec. 28 exhibition at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
- Organisers used bespoke rules intended to level play, including a single serve for each player and a roughly 9% smaller receiving side for Sabalenka.
- Tennis figures such as Billie Jean King and Rennae Stubbs criticized the event as lacking stakes and being a publicity stunt that could diminish the women’s game.
- Sabalenka and Kyrgios defended the match as entertainment that brought more eyes to tennis, with Kyrgios calling it a step forward and praising Sabalenka’s competitiveness.
- Reports cited broadcast glitches for viewers on Tennis Channel and the BBC, and organisers confirmed there was no on‑court prize money, with compensation via appearance fees.