Kyrgios beats Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis showdown | Tennis news

Kyrgios, who is currently ranked 671st in the men’s rankings, defeated the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in straight sets.

Nick Kyrgios beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka “The Battle of the Sexes”a high-profile showdown with changed rules that divided tennis fans.

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday that bore little resemblance to the landmark 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

At the time, there was much more at stake, with the nascent women’s professional circuit, established by King, fighting for legitimacy and prize money for female players still far lower than for men.

King, one of the greatest players of all time who was at the top of her game at 29, beat 55-year-old Riggs, one of the best players of her era, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston, Texas, USA.

On Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were reduced by nine percent, in a bid to limit Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.

Kyrgios fell to 671st in the rankings after playing just six ATP matches over the past three seasons, but the 30-year-old Australian still had enough to beat 27-year-old Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion.

The maverick Australian was drenched in sweat and appeared out of breath in the second set ‌after going down 1-3, while his opponent danced to the music ‌during a strategic timeout. But he persevered to make it 3-3 after Belarusian Sabalenka sent a long-range shot.

Kyrgios, who shortened the points with cheeky drop shots ‌and used variations on his serve to good effect, broke away to seal the victory on serve ‍before sharing a warm hug with Sabalenka at the net.

“Honestly, it was a really tough match. She’s a heck of a competitor,” he said.

“I had to hold on because she was putting pressure on, and in the end it was a very tough battle.”

Sabalenka said she would “love” a rematch.

“I felt good. I put up a good fight. He was struggling. He was getting tired. I was happy to see that,” she said.

“It was a great level [of tennis]. I took a lot of great shots. I really enjoyed the show. I feel like the next time I play him I know all his tactics and strengths.