Aryna Sabalenka puts up a 'great fight' in Battle of the Sexes against Nick Kyrgios

Kyrgios wins Dubai exhibition match but admits he was 'under the pump'

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  Aryna Sabalenka with Nick Kyrgios after their Battle of the Sexes exhibition match in Dubai. AP

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  Nick Kyrgios greets Aryna Sabalenka after victory in the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. PA

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  Aryna Sabalenka with a young fan at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Getty Images

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  Australia's Nick Kyrgios with Brazilian footballer great Ronaldo. AFP

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  Brazilian star Kaka in Dubai. EPA

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  Aryna Sabalenka put up a good fight against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. Getty Images

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  Nick Kyrgios won the exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka. PA

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  Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka hits a return against Australia's Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. AFP

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  Nick Kyrgios during the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match. EPA

The highly publicised Battle of the Sexes between Nick Kyrgios and women's world No1 Aryna Sabalenka turned out to be an entertaining event with Kyrgios emerging victorious in Dubai on Sunday.

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios won the exhibition match 6-3, 6-3, with the match paying homage to the iconic 1973 encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs and the women's tennis icon's fight for legitimacy and prize money.

On Sunday, each player received only one serve and the dimensions of Sabalenka's side of the court were nine percent smaller, in an attempt to restrict Kyrgios' power and speed advantage.

"I ‍don't think many people would have put their ‍hand up to be in this position, especially in my position," Kyrgios said.

"Obviously, Aryna was up for the challenge. The scoreline was closer than it ⁠was. I was under the pump there. And then anything happens once the crowd gets behind it. I was nervous."

Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, Kyrgios overcame the slightly smaller court on Sabalenka's side to secure victory.

With a one-serve-per-point rule in effect, both players faltered early before Kyrgios broke for a 4-3 lead and went on to take the opening set.

The Australian seemed out of breath in the second set after going 1-3 down, but he made it 3-3 after Sabalenka sent a shot long.

Unlike Riggs, who had long retired from the men's tour when he took on fellow American King, Kyrgios is an active player on the ATP Tour.

"It was a really tough match," Kyrgios added. "She's a hell ⁠of a competitor and such a great champion. Obviously, she's a multiple Grand Slam champion. And I didn't ​really know what to expect.

"As I said before this event, whatever role I was to play, it was another great opportunity to go out here. She broke my serve numerous times. And honestly, I had to strap it because she was ⁠putting the pressure on, ‌hitting amazing shots."

Kyrgios sealed victory on serve before sharing a warm embrace with Belarusian Sabalenka.

"I think I put on a great fight," Sabalenka said.

"He was struggling. He got really tight. I'm happy to see that the guy is getting tight and after taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level.

"I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net ... great drop shots, Nick, great serving. I really enjoyed the show and I feel like the next time when I play him, I already know the tactics.

"I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and it's going to be a better match for sure."