Overview
- Playing at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a made-for-TV exhibition promoted by T-Live.
- Organizers imposed one serve per point and shrank Sabalenka’s side of the court by roughly 9–10%, changes critics argued blunted her biggest weapon.
- The event drew a lukewarm reception from commentators such as Greg Rusedski and Annabel Croft, who labeled the spectacle a gimmick that lacked intensity.
- Stagecraft and celebrity touches emphasized entertainment over competition, with Sabalenka dancing the Macarena mid-match and football icons Ronaldo and Kaka in attendance.
- Kyrgios, ranked in the 670s after injuries, cast the night as part of a comeback push with a Brisbane International wildcard, while Sabalenka, still No. 1, said she enjoyed the experience and would welcome a rematch.