Kyrgios defeats Sabalenka in straight-sets to win controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis exhibition - reaction

Let’s start with something positive. It is a somewhat of a testament to the strength of Aryna Sabalenka’s character, as a four-time grand slam champion and the dominant world No 1 in women’s tennis, that immediately after losing 6-3 6-3 to a shuffling, clearly unfit Nick Kyrgios she asked for the opportunity to try again. But no, please no. We do not need to see another rendition of this circus, promoted as a ‘Battle of the Sexes’.

Beyond the ugly court and the TV feed from Dubai that broke down and produced a garbled picture, the spectacle was unwatchable, too.

“It will be really interesting now if we see more matches like this, says Fuller on BBC.

“There are lots of different types of tennis events around the world, and exhibitions are in demand, particularly in cities that don't host the major tournaments.

“Would you get other players willing to play in a format like this? Has it been a commercial success?

“Has it been popular with the viewers? Are enough people watching around the world to make the organisers think they can pull this one off again?” he adds as he questions whether we might see more matches of this type.

BBC reporter Russell Fuller had this to say on Sabalenka and Kyrgios:

“It was a match against a physically stronger opponent as we prepare for the new season,” he says on Sabalenka.

“It will be really interesting to see if we see Kyrgios at the Australian Open. There will be a wildcard I suspect for him if he wants one.

“He certainly looked exhausted after 25 minutes, which doesn't bode well for him playing best of five in the Melbourne heat,” he added.

Here’s more from Croft on a potential rematch:

“I got the impression he would quite like to play her again. Next time, they must not take her first serve away. That was the huge difference between the two,” she explains.

“It would have been much more interesting if she had her first serve. It takes away a major part of how she sets up her tennis.”

“I didn't feel like it showcased her enough, of what we know she is capable of,” explains Croft on what the match showed of Sabalenka.

“Perhaps it was disappointing for how it could have showcased her, but it had it's moments.

“She certainly didn't embarrass herself in any way. I didn't expect her to win that match,” she added.

Former British number one Annabel Croft had this to say on BBC:

“I think it didn't quite live up to what I thought it might be.

“That was a lot to do with how he played the game. He did what he does on the tour generally.

“He is a very awkward customer for anyone. Slice, choppy forehands, slow balling, awkwardness,” explained Croft.

“The ball was moving a lot, particularly on his serve. The way it moved in the air, you could see she was returning way outside the court.

“He was very smart how he played. You felt like at any point he could dip into other gears,” she added.

Aces: Kyrgios 1-0 Sabalenka

Fault: Kyrgios 1-5 Sabalenka

Unforced errors: Kyrgios 6-1 - Sabalenka

Both players seemed to leave the door open for a rematch in the future, with both mentioning that they’d love to play each other again.

"Honestly, I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank,” said Kyrgios.

Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure,” said Sabalenka.

"I love to challenge myself and I'd love to play again."

"Seeing someone as great as Sabalenka out here and myself, it truly is a spectacle, and a great stepping stone forward for the sport of tennis,” explains the 30-year-old.

"Of course I was nervous. Not many people would have put their hand up to be in this position,” he says.

"Sabalenka was up for the challenge, and the scoreline was close. This was all the world was talking about for the last six months.

"I'm just glad, from where I was, I wasn't able to use my right hand. To even get back out here and compete with Sabalenka, honestly it's emotional,” he adds as he finishes.

"She broke my serve numerous times. Honestly, I had to strap in. She was putting the pressure on, hitting some amazing shots,” says Kyrgios on Sabalenka’s performance.

"Ultimately it was a really hard fought battle, and there was breaks back and forward,” he added.