Sabalenka loses to Kyrgios in contest lacking intensity

In a Battle of the Sexes-style match that lacked the intensity and entertainment promised in the build-up, Aryna Sabalenka fell to Nick Kyrgios in straight sets.

The women’s world number one, Sabalenka, defeated by 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Kyrgios, who is now ranked 671st after seeing her career-ending injury suffer for the past few seasons.

The Dubai match was hyped up by both players like a pair of boxers fighting in a cage.

As she promoted the event on US television chat shows, Sabalenka, 27, promised to “kick Nick’s ass,” and Kyrgios, 30, insisted that the occasion’s razzmatazz would open up new eyes for the sport.

When she won points, Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, flashed flashes of the emotion she exhibits in competitive matches. She also flashed a mischievous grin.

“I felt fantastic,” he said. I believe my fight was excellent. He was struggling and getting extremely worn out, Sabalenka said in the aftermath.

“I think it was a fantastic level,” he said. “I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, and dropped shots. The show was really entertaining to me. I’ll be able to play him again knowing my tactics, his advantages and disadvantages, and we’ll be a better team for the time being.

I enjoy putting myself in a challenge and would like to play again.

Given that Kyrgios admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and made a number of comments that were viewed as misogynistic, critics had raised questions about his suitability as the male protagonist in the match.

The Australian, who was at his peak ranked 13th in the world, always had an insoucian vibe. Because he attempted to shorten points wherever possible, his movement was constrained.

As he prepares for what he anticipates will be a fuller ATP Tour appearance in 2026, he will be delighted to have won in less than an hour.

The pair exchanged a warm embrace on the internet, which seems genuine and demonstrated by their frequent japes throughout the game.

She is a hell of a player and a great champion, Kyrgios said, “Oh my goodness, it was a really tough match.”