Dubai 'Battle of the Sexes' Sparks Outrage: Fans Slam Unfair Rules and Pointless Spectacle | Tennis News
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A highly anticipated exhibition match between tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka ended in controversy, with fans expressing outrage over the 'Battle of the Sexes' event at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena. Kyrgios emerged victorious, defeating Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3, but the match was marred by rule changes that many saw as unfairly favoring the men's player. Organizers Evolve reduced Sabalenka's side of the court by 9% and limited players to one serve per point, moves that some fans felt were designed to level the contest but ultimately skewed the outcome. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, had been touted as the favorite despite her recent struggles with form, while Kyrgios has been plagued by fitness issues and is currently ranked 671 on the men's tour. Many fans questioned the motive behind the event, beyond the potential for high TV ratings and revenue. Despite the rules favoring Sabalenka, Kyrgios cruised to victory in straight sets. Both players expressed appreciation for the match, with Kyrgios praising Sabalenka's talent and Sabalenka looking forward to a rematch to exact 'revenge.' The event has sparked a heated debate among tennis fans, with many calling for a re-evaluation of the rules and the purpose of the event. As the tennis world gears up for the Australian Open in January, the controversy surrounding this exhibition match is likely to be a topic of discussion for weeks to come.
