4 wild moments from Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka 'Battle of the Sexes' 2025

Nick Kyrgios defeated the WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 Battle of the Sexes in Dubai on Sunday, December 28. The event had a thrilling atmosphere at the indoor hardcourt of the Coca-Cola Arena as the Australian registered a 6-3, 6-3 win over the Belarusian in the controversial yet thrilling exhibition match.

The 2025 edition of the event faced criticism over its purpose, and a few questioned the picks as well. According to legendary Billie Jean King, who won the event in 1973, unlike early editions of this event, the 2025 Dubai showdown held no purpose.

However, despite widespread criticism, both Sabalenka and Kyrgios managed to produce a memorable match to entertain the crowd. Here are our four wild and notable moments from the 2025 Battle of the Sexes:

#1. Aryna Sabalenka rocks the Coca-Cola Arena with her entrance

Aryna Sabalenka received a big cheer when she entered the packed Coca-Cola. She appreciated the welcome with an iconic walk from the entrance to the court. Sabalenka rocked a glittering long silver trench coat over her outfit and also showed off her famous dance moves on the 'Eye of the Tiger' song.

After the match, Sabalenka shared that it was her idea to dance her way to the court.

#2. Aryna Sabalenka steals the show with her dance moves

Aryna Sabalenka lost the opening set 6-3, but seemed in a celebratory mood throughout the second set of the 2025 Battle of the Sexes. She broke Nick Kyrgios during the second game and took a 3-1 lead before the 60-second drink break. Sabalenka entertained the crowd as she danced for a good 15 seconds before resuming the match.

#3. Football legends make appearances at 2025 Battle of the Sexes

As two tennis stars took the center stage, the crowd was also delighted to witness football legends Kaka, Ronaldo, and Peter Crouch in the stands. European football is popular in the UAE, and fans loudly cheered when the broadcasters showed Brazilian Ballon d'Or winners Ronaldo and Kaka on big screens. Former Liverpool and English forward Peter Crouch was also in attendance at the Coca-Cola Arena to witness the 2025 Battle of the Sexes on Sunday.

After the match, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka mentioned Kaka and Ronaldo showing up at the Coca-Cola Arena in their post-match interview.

#4. Aryna Sabalenka stuns Nick Kyrgios with brilliant forehand winner

Aryna Sabalenka kept it competitive throughout the match as she played some remarkable tennis at the 2025 Battle of the Sexes. The four-time Grand Slam winner also made Kyrgios work hard for every point, and produced a brilliant running forehand to stun the crowd and her opponent.

Kyrgios was a point away from sealing the first set, but Sabalenka produced a stunning forehand winner, well out of reach of the Australian. Sabalenka's brilliance triggered a big cheer from the stands and left Kyrgios speechless.

Nick Kyrgios will next return to action at the Brisbane International starting on January 4.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam