Overview
- Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 at Dubai’s Coca‑Cola Arena in a one‑off exhibition with no ranking impact.
- The format limited both players to one serve per point and made Sabalenka’s side of the court about 9% smaller to “level” the contest.
- Billie Jean King and former players including Rennae Stubbs and Greg Rusedski criticized the concept, with widespread ridicule from fans on social media.
- Both Kyrgios and Sabalenka defended the event as a showcase for tennis, with Kyrgios calling it a positive step and Sabalenka saying she “brought more attention” to the sport.
- Reports cited broadcast glitches on Tennis Channel and the BBC that left parts of the match unwatchable for some viewers.