Nick Kyrgios beats 'hell of a player' Aryna Sabalenka as women's No. 1 would 'love' 'Battle of the Sexes' rematch after Dubai clash

Nick Kyrgios beat women's world tennis No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai to claim a "Battle of the Sexes" victory, with a 6-3 6-3 straight sets win. Kyrgios could be awarded a wild card entrant to the Australian Open - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - after years of suffering with injury, while Sabalenka will aim to repeat her glory of 2023 and 2024 in the first Grand Slam of the year.

Aryna Sabalenka lost in straight sets, 6-3 6-3, against Nick Kyrgios in a 'Battle of the Sexes' clash in Dubai on Sunday.

The exhibition took place ahead of the coming 2026 season, with players looking to tune up their form before the opening Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Sabalenka will start that tournament as one of the favourites, having won it in 2023 and 2024, while Kyrgios is hoping to gain a wildcard entry for the event.

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Kyrgios is currently ranked No. 671 in men’s tennis after struggling with a wrist injury in recent times, but can point to a 2022 Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic as testament to his powers.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, is coming off the back of a campaign where she won the US Open, was a beaten finalist in the WTA Finals showpiece, and took the No. 1 ranking spot on the women's side.

While 27-year-old Sabalenka boasted the better recent form, the match was played with an intensity more suited to an exhibition clash, and 30-year-old Kyrgios was able to battle through in order to claim a victory in straight sets.

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After his win, Kyrgios paid tribute to his opponent, with whom he shares a friendship off the court.

"Honestly, it was a really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion," Kyrgios said.

"I didn't really know what to expect. Whatever role I was to play, it was just another great opportunity to go out here."

Sabalenka’s side of the court was adjusted to address the physical differences between the pair, and she reflected on the changes, explaining: "It felt different, the court was different. Obviously playing against a guy is different, everything is much faster.

"I hope for the next couple of days I will have a great recovery. I'm pretty much ready for the season and I hope I will bring great tennis."

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Sabalenka felt she held her own in the match, adding: "I felt great. I think I put up a great fight. He was struggling, he got really tired.

"I think it was a great level, I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots. Really enjoyed the show."

Sabalenka is also keen for a rematch, and was already planning a change in strategy to exploit the lessons she had learned against the Australian in their first match-up.

"Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure. I love to challenge myself, and I'd love to play again."

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