Nick Kyrgios defeats Aryna Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reuters
 — 

Nick Kyrgios beat Aryna Sabalenka 6‑3 6‑3 on Sunday in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match billed as a modern take on Billie Jean King’s famous win over Bobby Riggs over 50 years ago, but one that ignited controversy over its relevance and meaning.

The clash between four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka and former world number 13 Kyrgios was billed as entertainment but critics warned that it risked reducing women’s tennis to a sideshow and trivializing its progress toward equality.

The match that gave the event its name was the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” when women’s tennis pioneer King beat 55-year-old…