The most bizarre moments from the tennis ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Was this ever going to be a proper dust-up in Dubai? Aryna Sabalenka versus Nick Kyrgios in the “Battle of the Sexes” – which the Australian won 6-3, 6-3 – felt very much like an exhibition event from the get-go. So in that spirit, there were plenty of strikingly odd moments to absorb during the contest.

Here are some of the weirdest ones to enjoy.

Sabalenka’s snazzy jacket

Coming out at the top of the stairs in what can only be described as a bejewelled trench coat, the world No 1 paused, stretched her arms out, cocked a leg and held it. You would have to say as entrances go, it is most certainly a departure from the traditional tennis arrival.

ICONIC walkout for the tigress 🐯🎶

Aryna Sabalenka takes the court against Nick Kyrgios for the Battle of the Sexes! pic.twitter.com/LysNCidESU

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 28, 2025

The mad court

You would be excused for whacking the side of your telly, thinking that the top of the picture was wonky. Permanently shown from the men’s side of the court, you could see Kyrgios’ end being wider than Sabalenka’s. But you also struggled to see where the service box began.

With greater distance to cover for Kyrgios – and all serves hit as “second serves” – there were plenty of returns to chase down. No wonder he was sweating. Though a lack of recent top-grade tennis matches to fall back on might explain a lot, too.

Nick Kyrgios wins 6-3, 6-3 over Aryna Sabalenka in their 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match played on a modified court nearly 10 per cent smaller on one side in an attempt to level the playing field 🤷‍♂️pic.twitter.com/oeUiTGLAPF

— John Casey 🎙️ (@JohnCasey2880) December 28, 2025

Kyrgios limping

At one point, after hitting the deck, Kyrgios rose clutching his leg and pretending to limp. Given his pebble-dashed injury history, you would be well within your rights to fear he had crocked himself again. But given both opponents laughed together in that chummy, “what are we like?!” manner, it was not exactly an illustration of blood-pumping, fury-filled rivalry.

Footballing cameos

Sure, why not announce the arrival of former Brazil stars Ronaldo and Kaká taking their seats courtside. Oh and is that Peter Crouch waving at them as they head off to the superstar section? The venue’s MC was very pleased. Sabalenka looked like she wanted to get on with it. The camera crew certainly enjoyed panning in on ol’ O Fenomeno as he took it all in.

Flogging energy drinks

Between the action, Kyrgios quite visibly took swigs from a can. The brand? Well it is called Lucky energy – an Aussie business the tennis player has publicly shown support for in the past – but the visuals around their brand look very much like “Lucky F*****” with a big, taped-out section under the first word.

The brand says on its official materials that it is all about “perseverance, blind faith, rebellion and never giving up on yourself”. Edgy, eh.

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios embrace at the net after the Battle of the Sexes match in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo / Getty Images

Dancing between games

Sabalenka doing the Macarena? Feels about right for this one. It lingered for a while, and on and on she went. Not long after we had a fella lobbing (presumably signed?) balls into the crowd. You half expected a T-shirt cannon.