Kyrgios Beats World No. 1 Sabalenka 6–3, 6–3 in Dubai’s Modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Overview

• The Australian won in straight sets under a one‑serve format with Sabalenka playing on a side of the court reduced by 9 percent, with a 10‑point super tiebreak only if a third set were needed.
• Sabalenka expressed frustration at the loss, said she would welcome a rematch, and later defended the event as giving the sport added visibility.
• Billie Jean King told the BBC the matchup is not comparable to her 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs, noting that the original carried clear social and political stakes.
• Kyrgios, a former top‑13 player now ranked about No. 671 after injuries and little recent competition, emphasized the entertainment focus and credited Sabalenka for pressuring his serve.
• A relaxed, showlike atmosphere prevailed at Dubai’s Coca‑Cola Arena, with joking exchanges on court and celebrity spectators such as Ronaldo and Kaká in attendance.