Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios have a good time with trophies after the match. Picture: REUTERS
DUBAI:
Nick Kyrgios beat ladies’s world primary Aryna Sabalenka within the “Battle of the Sexes” on Sunday, in a highly-publicised showdown with modified guidelines that divided tennis followers.
Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios received 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match in Dubai bearing little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Again then, there was extra at stake with the nascent ladies’s skilled tour, arrange by King, preventing for its legitimacy and prize cash for feminine gamers nonetheless far decrease than for the boys.
King, one of many all-time greats of the ladies’s sport who was on the peak of her powers, noticed off the 55-year-old Riggs, a high participant in his day, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in Houston.
On Sunday, every participant obtained just one serve and the size of Sabalenka’s aspect of the court docket have been 9 p.c smaller, in an try to limit Kyrgios’ energy and pace benefit.
Critics questioned the motive behind the occasion, organised by the company that manages the careers of each gamers, past the published scores and cash generated.
The suitability of Kyrgios — who admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and has needed to distance himself from misogynistic remarks up to now — for the boys’s function within the act additionally stirred debate.
Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, has dropped to 671 within the rankings after enjoying simply six tour-level matches over the previous three seasons, however the 30-year-old Australian nonetheless had sufficient to see off four-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka.
“Actually, it was a extremely robust match. She is a hell of a participant and such an amazing champion,” stated Kyrgios.
“She broke my serve quite a few instances, and I needed to strap in.
“Actually, I might like to play her once more and showcase her expertise and what I’ve left within the tank. Finally it was a extremely hard-fought battle.”
Kyrgios admitted he handled nerves as Sabalenka strode into the world to “Eye of the Tiger” in a glowing jacket.
“In fact I used to be nervous. Not many individuals would have put their hand as much as be on this place,” stated Kyrgios.
“Sabalenka was up for the problem, and the scoreline was shut.”
Sabalenka, who retained her US Open title in September after dropping in each the Australian and French Open finals this yr, stated she was eager for a rematch with Kyrgios.
“I feel I put up an amazing combat. He was struggling, he bought actually drained,” stated Sabalenka.
“I made numerous nice pictures, moved quite a bit to the online, drop pictures. Actually loved the present. Subsequent time once I play him, I already know the techniques, his strengths and weaknesses, and will probably be a greater match for positive.
“I like to problem myself, and I might like to play once more.”
