Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka: Australian Wins Battle Of The Sexes Showdown In Dubai

Nick Kyrgios won the latest version of the “Battle of the Sexes” in tennis, beating top-ranked women’s player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality. There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, over-the-top grunting on shots, and even some dancing from Sabalenka during a timeout to entertain the crowd at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai — where the most expensive tickets sold for approaching $800.

Updated on: 29 December 2025 10:44 am

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-1

Aryna Sabalenka holds her goddaughter next to Nick Kyrgios as they pose with trophies after their Battle of the Sexes tennis match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

1/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-2

Nick Kyrgios poses with the trophy after winning the Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Christopher Pike/Pool Photo via AP

2/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-3

Aryna Sabalenka holds her goddaughter Nicole after losing against Nick Kyrgios in the Battle of the Sexes tennis match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

3/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-5

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios laugh ahead of their Battle of the Sexes tennis match in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

4/10

Nick Kyrgios, left, and Aryna Sabalenka interact at the net during their Battle of the Sexes match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Christopher Pike/Pool Photo via AP

5/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-6

Aryna Sabalenka acknowledges the crowd after losing against Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Christopher Pike/Pool Photo via AP

6/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-7

Aryna Sabalenka plays a forehand against Nick Kyrgios during their Battle of the Sexes tennis match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

7/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-8

Nick Kyrgios returns the ball to Aryna Sabalenka during their Battle of the Sexes tennis match, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

8/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-9

Aryna Sabalenka plays a backhand against Nick Kyrgios during their Battle of the Sexes tennis match in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

9/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-Former footballer Ronaldo

Former footballer Ronaldo, centre, and his partner Celina Locks, right, look on during the Battle of the Sexes tennis match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP

10/10

Nick Kyrgios Vs Aryna Sabalenka Tennis Battle of the Sexes-11

Aryna Sabalenka makes her way to the court for the Battle of the Sexes match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: Amr Alfiky/Pool Photo via AP