Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka, her goddaughter Nicole, and Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrate with trophies after the match. PHOTO: REUTERSNick Kyrgios has beat Aryna Sabalenka 6‑3 6‑3 in a "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match billed as a modern take on Billie Jean King's famous win over Bobby Riggs over 50 years ago, but one that ignited controversy over its relevance and meaning. The match that gave the event its name was the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" when women's tennis pioneer King beat 55-year-old former Grand Slam winner Riggs, who had said that the standard of women's tennis could never match that of the men's game. "I don't think many people would have put their hand up to be in this position, especially in my position," Kyrgios said. 'GREAT OPPORTUNITY'"It was a really tough match," Kyrgios added.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 28, 2025 19:48 UTC