The 2025 version of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ has been played out with Australia’s Nick Kyrgios emerging a 6-3 6-3 winner against women’s tennis world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Played on a modified court under modified rules, the Dubai exhibition match has drawn a largely negative reaction from fans and pundits alike.
Amongst a chorus of critics questioning the need—and value—for holding such a match in the first place, prominent tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg was scathingly succinct.
“The world is dumber for that match having happened,” he posted on X.
“This entire match was based on delusion.”
MORE: Who won Battle of the Sexes? Nick Kyrgios vs. Aryna Sabalenka
Perhaps unsurprisingly given their shared management agency organised the one-off match, Kyrgios and Sabalenka were far more effusive of the experience.
“Honestly, it was a really tough match,” Kyrgios said afterwards.
“She is a hell of a player and such a great champion, she broke my serve numerous times and I had to strap in—ultimately it was a really hard-fought battle.”
“I think I put up a great fight, I made a lot of great shots, really enjoyed the show,” Sabalenka responded.
“Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, I love to challenge myself and I’d love to play again.”
Whether the tennis world has the appetite for a rematch on such a public global stage seems unlikely.
Then again, when Nick Kyrgios is involved anything is possible.
The world is dumber for that match having happened.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) December 28, 2025
What positives are there to take from watching an obviously unfit Kyrgios beating the world number 1 Sabalenka in straight sets? Not sure there’s anything honestly.
— Scott Barclay (@BarclayCard18) December 28, 2025
Calling this Kyrgios vs. Sabalenka a“battle of the sexes” is so disrespectful to Billie Jean King, she did not fight for attention and grift . This is the Battle clowns 🤡 https://t.co/VGZGAe1Li0
— Anna The Ivorian ™️ (@annatheivorian) December 28, 202