Aryna Sabalenka has a “big fight” in Battle of the Sexes against Nick Kyrgios #Aryna #Sabalenka #big #fight #Battle #Sexes #Nick #Kyrgios

The much-publicized battle of the sexes between Nick Kyrgios and women’s world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka proved to be an entertaining event with Kyrgios emerging victorious in Dubai on Sunday.

Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, won the exhibition match 6-3, 6-3, with the match paying homage to the iconic 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs and the women’s tennis icon’s fight for legitimacy and prize money.

On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to limit Kyrgios’ power and speed advantage.

“I don’t think many people would have raised their hand to take this position, especially in my position,” Kyrgios said.

“Obviously Aryna was up for the challenge. The score was closer than it was. I was under the pump there. And then everything happens once the crowd is behind it. I was nervous.”