"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Nick Kyrgios won the latest version of the "Battle of the Sexes" in tennis, beating top-ranked women's player Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match that represented light entertainment rather than another landmark moment for gender equality. There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, over-the-top grunting on shots, and even some dancing from Sabalenka during a timeout to entertain"
"Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up who has played only six tour-level matches in the last three years because of wrist and knee injuries, appeared to play within himself at times and faced the disadvantage of Sabalenka's side of the court being nearly 10% smaller in an attempt to level the playing field. The players were only given one serve per point, rather than two."
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a Dubai exhibition framed as a modern "Battle of the Sexes" that emphasized entertainment over social impact. The match included joking, under-arm serves, exaggerated grunting, and dancing to engage a 17,000-seat audience with premium tickets near $800. Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced by about 10% and players had only one serve per point to balance conditions. Kyrgios has played sparingly recently due to wrist and knee injuries and appeared at times to play within himself. Both players aimed to put on a show, attract younger fans, and earn revenue. Kyrgios's participation carried controversy because of a past guilty plea for shoving a former girlfriend.
Read at ESPN.com
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