Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the “Battle of the Sexes” today, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified rules that divided tennis fans.
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai that bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter betweenBillie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women’s professional tour, set up by King, fighting for its legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for the men.
King, one of the all-time greats of the women’s game who was at the peak of her powers, saw off the 55-year-old Riggs, a top player in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
Each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were 9% smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.
Kyrgios has dropped to 671 in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.
Aryna Sabalenka makes her way to the court for the Battle of the Sexes match against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo / Getty Images
“Honestly, it was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor,” said Kyrgios.
“I had to strap in because she was putting the pressure on and ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle.
