Nick Kyrgios comfortably beat Aryna Sabalenka in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash plagued by technical difficulties and criticism of the modified rules.
Australian star Kyrgios, 30, swept aside the women’s world No 1 6-3, 6-3 at the Coca-Cola Arena in their controversial match in Dubai.
The BBC were forced to apologise after technical issues interrupted their broadcast throughout the contest.
Pictures appeared jittery before they were lost altogether, prompting the BBC to issue an on-screen apology. The issue continued into the second set after Kyrgios claimed the first.
Fans were also quick to criticise the match, which some labelled as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘nonsense’.
The generational contest pitting Sabalenka, 27, against Kyrgios was played using alternative rules. Players were given one serve each and Sabalenka’s court was nine per cent smaller than her opponent’s.
The BBC apologised for a technical glitch during their broadcast of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’
Fans on social media were quick to criticise the court being used as Aryna Sabalenka’s side is nine per cent smaller than her opponent’s
Nick Kyrgios comfortably won the the match in Dubai in straight sets – 6-3, 6-3
Data collected by Evolve which claims to find that women move nine per cent slower than men is the reason behind the court, while the one-serve directive was aimed at reducing Kyrgios’ power.
‘Why is this match is being played? Why is Sabalenka’s court smaller? It’s hardly a fair battle. It looks ridiculous,’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘But it’s not a level playing field as the female has a smaller court. So it’s not battle of the sexes then is it…’
A third wrote: ‘As expected, this #battleofthesexes tennis match is farcical nonsense. I’m actually embarrassed for the BBC commentary team having to try and make it sound like a legitimately interesting match.’
A fourth added: ‘I was going to watch the #battleofthesexes tennis match but have switched it off. For a true battle it has to be played by the usual rules, not shrinking the court for the female player by 9%. What a waste of time. Still, I suppose the cheque is worth it….’
Kyrgios, who had not played singles since mid-March due to injury, was full of praise for Sabalenka.
‘It was a really tough match. She’s a hell of a competitor, and such a great champion,’ he said.
‘I didn’t really know what to expect, and whatever role I was to play, this was another opportunity to go out and play.
Fans on social media gave negative reactions to the controversial clash and the modified rules
‘She broke my serve numerous times, she was putting the pressure on, hitting some amazing shots. I would love to play her again.
‘Ultimately, it was a really hard-fought battle. I wouldn’t call myself the champion tonight. I think this is a great stepping-stone forward for the sport of tennis.
‘Of course I was nervous. I don’t think many people would put their hand up to be in this position. The scoreline was closer, I was under the pump there – I was nervous. This was all the world was talking about for the past six months.
‘To even get back out here and play, and play someone as great as Aryna is pretty emotional.
‘Considering I took away one of her strengths, her first serve, she’s an incredible athlete. The gap is closer – I’m not surprised. It could have gone either way. I’m not even joking.’
Speaking after the defeat, Sabalenka also suggested the two could have a rematch.
‘I felt great, I think I put up a great fight,’ the Belarusian said. ‘He was struggling, he got really tight – and I was happy to see one of the guys getting tight and getting a win on my serve.
‘I think it was a great level, I played a lot of great shots. Really enjoyed the show. I feel like next time, when I play him, I know the tactics, his strengths, his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match for sure.’
Sabalenka channelled her inner Billie Jean King and the spirit of the spectacle by descending from the top of the stadium in a sparkly jacket to the booming sound of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ – a hat-tip to her ‘tiger’ nickname – in her entrance.
