Nick Kyrgios defeated the WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka within the 2025 Battle of the Sexes in Dubai on Sunday, December 28. The occasion had an exhilarating ambiance on the indoor hardcourt of the Coca-Cola Area because the Australian registered a 6-3, 6-3 win over the Belarusian within the controversial but thrilling exhibition match.
The 2025 version of the occasion confronted criticism over its function, and some questioned the picks as effectively. Based on legendary Billie Jean King, who gained the occasion in 1973, not like early editions of this occasion, the 2025 Dubai showdown held no function.
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Nevertheless, regardless of widespread criticism, each Sabalenka and Kyrgios managed to supply a memorable match to entertain the group. Listed below are our 4 wild and notable moments from the 2025 Battle of the Sexes:
#1. Aryna Sabalenka rocks the Coca-Cola Area together with her entrance
Aryna Sabalenka obtained a giant cheer when she entered the packed Coca-Cola. She appreciated the welcome with an iconic stroll from the doorway to the court docket. Sabalenka rocked a glittering lengthy silver trench coat over her outfit and likewise confirmed off her well-known dance strikes on the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ music.
After the match, Sabalenka shared that it was her concept to bounce her option to the court docket.
#2. Aryna Sabalenka steals the present together with her dance strikes
Aryna Sabalenka misplaced the opening set 6-3, however appeared in a celebratory temper all through the second set of the 2025 Battle of the Sexes. She broke Nick Kyrgios in the course of the second recreation and took a 3-1 lead earlier than the 60-second drink break. Sabalenka entertained the group as she danced for an excellent 15 seconds earlier than resuming the match.
#3. Soccer legends make appearances at 2025 Battle of the Sexes
As two tennis stars took the middle stage, the group was additionally delighted to witness soccer legends Kaka, Ronaldo, and Peter Crouch within the stands. European soccer is common within the UAE, and followers loudly cheered when the broadcasters confirmed Brazilian Ballon d’Or winners Ronaldo and Kaka on massive screens. Former Liverpool and English ahead Peter Crouch was additionally in attendance on the Coca-Cola Area to witness the 2025 Battle of the Sexes on Sunday.
After the match, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka talked about Kaka and Ronaldo exhibiting up on the Coca-Cola Area of their post-match interview.
#4. Aryna Sabalenka stuns Nick Kyrgios with sensible forehand winner
Aryna Sabalenka stored it aggressive all through the match as she performed some exceptional tennis on the 2025 Battle of the Sexes. The four-time Grand Slam winner additionally made Kyrgios work laborious for each level, and produced a superb operating forehand to stun the group and her opponent.
Kyrgios was some extent away from sealing the primary set, however Sabalenka produced a surprising forehand winner, effectively out of attain of the Australian. Sabalenka’s brilliance triggered a giant cheer from the stands and left Kyrgios speechless.
Nick Kyrgios will subsequent return to motion on the Brisbane Worldwide beginning on January 4.
Edited by Hitesh Nigam