Aryna Sabalenka put up a fight but failed to pull off a sensational win over Nick Kyrgios as the Australian registered a 6-3 6-3 victory in the Battle of the Sexes.
In Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, the modern version of the Battle of the Sexes took place this Sunday.
However, it should be noted that the match was played under special format as the Belarusian's side of the court was 9 percent smaller. Also, each player had only serve.
Early in the first set, Sabalenka twice recovered from a break down and had two consecutive game points for a 4-3 lead. But didn't manage to realize as Kyrgios claimed back-to-back breaks in the seventh and ninth game to bag the opener.
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Down by a set, Sabalenka bounced back by earning an early second-set break and a 3-1 lead. In the fifth game, the WTA world No. 1 had a chance to go up by a double break, but didn't convert. From that moment on, it was all Kyrgios as the 2022 Wimbledon finalist won the last five games of the second set to get the job done in straight sets.
What Kyrgios and Sabalenka said in their pre-match press conference?
A day before the match, the 30-year-old Australian admitted that he was nervous.
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"I have played incredible matches, but I would be lying if I said Im not a bit nervous," the Australian said.
On the other side, Sabalenka explained how she planned to beat Kyrgios.
Just because the court is going to be shorter, hes not going to go for bigger strokes, and Ill be always in attacking mode. Thats my power, my game and my strength Ive also got good touch and I have a bigger target to do fun things," the four-time Grand Slam champion said.
In the end, it was an entertaining battle and the Belarusian definitely didn't embarrass herself or women's tennis.
