World No 1’s clash with Nick Kyrgios is on track to being one of the most inane tennis events ever conceived
2025 was the year of Aryna Sabalenka for so many reasons. She reached three of the four grand slam finals, winning her fourth major title at the US Open and further positioning herself as a generational great. From her humble origins as a volatile, one-note ball-basher, the 27-year-old has admirably evolved into an increasingly complete player. Sabalenka is the best player in the world for a second year in succession.
The fleeting tennis off-season is usually an opportunity for players and spectators alike to reflect on such great feats before the new season is upon them. This year, however, the December discourse has been derailed by the fast-approaching train wreck Sabalenka stands at the heart of.
On Sunday, Sabalenka, the world No 1 in women’s tennis, will play against Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match in Dubai that has been billed as the Battle of the Sexes. At the end of many weeks of promotion from both players, it remains on track to being one of the most inane tennis events ever conceived.
It is not difficult to see why this match would be appealing to Kyrgios, who over the past three years has had an unending string of injuries, playing just six official matches during this period. At 30 years old, it is unclear whether he will be able to return to the tour in any consistent or competitive manner. He is evidently here to earn as much money as he can, while he still can.
