‘Utter nonsense, waste of time’: Sabalenka vs Kyrgios ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Faces Backlash from Fans

The highly anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” tennis exhibition match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios drew fierce reactions from fans and critics after ending predictably in Dubai on December 28, 2025. Touted as a modern iteration of the famed 1973 contest between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, this iteration was criticized as a gimmick rather than a meaningful sporting event, with many fans labelling it “utter nonsense” and a “pointless spectacle.”

Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the match was engineered with unique rules aimed at levelling the perceived physical disparities between the competitors. Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by nine per cent, and both players were limited to one serve per point adjustments intended to make the contest competitive. However, despite the advantages designed for Sabalenka, the Austrian player could not overcome Kyrgios’ experience and shot-making ability.

Kyrgios, once a top-15 ATP player but ranked 671st due to injury and limited participation in recent years, managed to defeat Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. The result disappointed spectators who had hoped for a tight, historic battle symbolising gender equity in sport. Instead, many viewed it as an overhyped exhibition with little competitive merit. Observers questioned whether a player with limited recent match play was a suitable opponent for the world No.1 women’s player, undermining the event’s credibility.

Fan reaction on social media was swift and harsh. Many branded the event as a marketing stunt driven by broadcast ratings and revenue motives, rather than genuine sporting curiosity. Critics argued the modified format seemed arbitrary, suggesting that hastily altering court dimensions and serving rules diluted any sense of authentic competition. Some fans even suggested that the match did not advance the conversation about gender equality in tennis, but rather trivialised a once-seminal concept.

Despite the backlash, both players responded graciously in post-match comments. Kyrgios acknowledged Sabalenka as a formidable opponent and praised her competitive spirit, admitting that her pressure during rallies made parts of the match challenging. Sabalenka, meanwhile, expressed willingness to face Kyrgios again in a rematch, calling the experience valuable preparation ahead of her upcoming season goals.

Supporters of the event highlighted that it provided entertainment and showcased both players’ skills in a high-profile setting. However, detractors maintained that the spectacle drew unfavourable comparisons to its historic predecessor, which was deeply rooted in a struggle for gender equality at a time when women’s tennis lacked visibility and respect. Today’s women’s game is already a global force with equal prize money at major tournaments, rendering such exhibitions redundant to many fans.

Ultimately, the Sabalenka-Kyrgios “Battle of the Sexes” match will be remembered more for the controversy it stirred than for any lasting sporting impact. While the concept aimed to revive a historic format, the outcome revealed a divide between entertainment and competitive relevance prompting debate over the future of such crossover exhibitions in professional tennis.