Dubai showcase a step in the right direction: Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios defended their controversial “Battle of the Sexes” match and said they failed to understand why an exhibition match aimed at showcasing tennis drew so much negativity from the tennis community.

- 

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios embracing after the 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match in Dubai on Dec 28, when Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios beat world No. 1 Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 at a packed Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Dec 28, despite several rule tweaks implemented by the organisers to level the playing field.

Critics had warned that the match, a nod to the 1973 original “Battle of the Sexes” in which women’s trailblazer Billie Jean King overcame then 55-year-old former Grand Slam winner Bobby Riggs, risked trivialising the women’s game.

King saw off Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston 52 years ago.

The 82-year-old tennis great had said the encounter on Dec 28 lacked the stakes of her match while others, including former doubles world No.1 Rennae Stubbs, said the event was a publicity stunt and cash grab.