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Nick Kyrgios shared his reaction after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the 2025 Battle of the Sexes on Sunday, December 28. The ATP World No. 671 overcame the top-ranked women's tennis player in straight sets to win the much-talked-about event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The Battle of the Sexes match first gained global recognition when the 29-year-old Billie Jean King defeated the 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in three sets in September 1973. The event paved the way for women's growth in tennis, showing that it's not just about physical strength. However, the recent events have faced criticism from fans and former players, who believe that the Battle of the Sexes holds no real purpose and is only a publicity stunt.
Fans were not pleased when the organizers chose Nick Kyrgios, who has faced backlash for his alleged misogynistic comments in the past, and Aryna Sabalenka, the best women's singles player. Overcoming the widespread criticism, Kyrgios and Sabalenka produced a thrilling contest and entertained the crowd with a memorable match.
After winning the Dubai showdown 6-3, 6-3, Kyrgios revealed that he was nervous before the match due to the criticism he and the event faced in the build-up.
"Of course I was nervous," Nick Kyrgios said in the post-match interview. "I don’t think many people would’ve put their hand up to be in this position. Especially in my position. Aryna was up for the challenge. The scoreline was closer than it was. I was under the pump there. "She nearly broke me back. Anything happens once the crowd gets behind her. I was nervous. This was all the world was talking about for the last 6 months. From where I was 2 years ago, I was sidelined. I wasn’t able to use my right hand. To get back out here and compete with someone as great as Aryna is honestly pretty emotional."Kyrgios after beating Sabalenka in Battle of the Sexes match Nick: “It was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor and such a great champion. She’s a multiple grand slam champion. I didn’t really know what to expect. As I said before this event, whatever role I was to play, it was just a great opportunity to go out here. She broke my serve numerous times. I had to strap in honestly. She was putting the pressure on. She was hitting some amazing shots. I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and also what I have left in the tank. It was a really hard fought battle. It was breaks back and forth. Tennis is honestly.. I wouldn’t call myself the champ tonight. Seeing someone as great as Aryna out here and myself.. it truly is a spectacle. I think this is a great stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis.”“Were you nervous?”Nick: “Of course I was nervous. I don’t think many people would’ve put their hand up to be in this position. Especially in my position. Aryna was up for the challenge. The scoreline was closer than it was. I was under the pump there. She nearly broke me back. Anything happens once the crowd gets behind her. I was nervous. This was all the world was talking about for the last 6 months. From where I was 2 years ago, I was sidelined. I wasn’t able to use my right hand. To get back out here and compete with someone as great as Aryna is honestly pretty emotional.”
Nick Kyrgios relied on his physical strength and stamina to overcome a 1-3 deficit in the second set, ultimately winning 6-3. As expected, Aryna Sabalenka produced brilliant play with some eye-catching shots at the packed Coca-Cola Arena.
Nick Kyrgios was struggling and got really tired: Aryna Sabalenka
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka shared that she felt great despite her loss in the 2025 Battle of the Sexes. The four-time Grand Slam winner kept her opponent on his toes throughout the match with some strong forehand shots and never looked physically overpowered.
In her post-match interview, Sabalenka claimed that she put up "a great fight" and also revealed that Nick Kyrgios struggled against her "great shots."
"I felt great. I think I put up a great fight," Sabalenka said. "He was struggling, he got really tired. I think it was a great level, I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots. I really enjoyed the show. Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure. I love to challenge myself and I'd love to play again."Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will next travel to Australia, where Sabalenka will compete in the Australian Open, starting on January 17, and Kyrgios is confirmed to begin his 2026 season at the Brisbane International.
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Edited by Hitesh Nigam
English (US)