Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets in ‘Battles of the Sexes’

Nick Kyrgios took victory in the controversial ‘Battles of the Sexes’ as he beat women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-3 in Dubai.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, who has slipped to 671st in the rankings after three injury-hit years, had too much for Sabalenka, who was unable to get into her rhythm and showcase her best game in the adjusted format.

Kyrgios looked tired but still prevailed as he mixed power with his usual array of unorthodox shots that kept Sabalenka guessing.

“It was a really tough match,” the Australian said in an on-court interview. “She’s a hell of a competitor and such a great champion, obviously a multiple grand slam champion. I didn’t know what to expect and what role I played – it was just another great opportunity.

“She broke my serve numerous times and I had to strap in.”

Coming five decades after Billie Jean King famously beat Bobby Riggs – a significant moment in the fight for greater equality in sport, in Houston in September 1973 – the merits of this contest in Dubai divided opinion.

“Ultimately it was a really hard fought battle, and there were breaks back and forward,” Kyrgios added. “Seeing someone as great as Sabalenka out here and myself, it truly is a spectacle, and a great stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis.”

Both players had only one serve, while Sabalenka’s half of the court was nine per cent smaller than Kyrgios’.

Sabalenka made her big entrance in a silver sparkling jacket to the sounds of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and used a fierce cross-court backhander to take the first game, though it did little to fire up the sell-out crowd of 17,000.

Kyrgios responded quickly and broke Sabalenka’s next serve as he got to grips with a slow court, and the decision to take away the