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What To Know
- Kyrgios carries a résumé that includes a Wimbledon runner-up finish in 2022, and the Dubai match gave fans another reminder of why he stays one of the sport’s biggest draws when he plays.
- He finished the job on his third match point, completely soaked in sweat, then shared a smile and a hug with Sabalenka at the net.
- The match played out in front of a packed scene at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, with plenty of crowd-pleasing moments that made it easy to watch, even for casual fans.
Nick Kyrgios tops Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 at Coca-Cola Arena Dubai
Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka gave Dubai a tennis night that stayed fun from first ball to final handshake. The Australian won 6-3, 6-3 in an exhibition match at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, and the whole thing leaned into personality, laughs, and real respect between two huge names. The crowd came for a headline moment, and they got a full-on show that kept the mood light and the sportsmanship loud.
A Coca-Cola Arena Crowd Got The Full Show
The match played out in front of a packed scene at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, with plenty of crowd-pleasing moments that made it easy to watch, even for casual fans. There was joking at the net, playful reactions between points, underarm serves, exaggerated grunts, and even a short dance moment from Sabalenka during a timeout that had the audience smiling. Some of the most expensive tickets were reported as approaching $800, which tells you exactly what kind of event this was: premium seats for a premium spectacle.
Kyrgios Takes The Win And Keeps It Classy
Kyrgios looked locked in when he needed to be, then relaxed when the moment called for entertainment. He finished the job on his third match point, completely soaked in sweat, then shared a smile and a hug with Sabalenka at the net. He also admitted the nerves were real. Kyrgios said he felt nervous and had to “strap in,” which matched the vibe in the arena, because the crowd clearly treated the night like a major occasion.
Kyrgios carries a résumé that includes a Wimbledon runner-up finish in 2022, and the Dubai match gave fans another reminder of why he stays one of the sport’s biggest draws when he plays.
Sabalenka Treats It Like Serious Prep With A Smile
Sabalenka came into the night as the top-ranked women’s player, and she played the part while still keeping it playful. She called the match useful preparation with the Australian Open coming up in January, and she already sounded ready for round two. Sabalenka said she would like to play Kyrgios again.
After the match, she summed up the mood with a line that fit the night perfectly: “Really enjoyed the show,” then added that she would take the experience, study the patterns, and come back better next time.
This Kyrgios vs Sabalenka night delivered what modern tennis needs more of: a big crowd, big personalities, clean sportsmanship, and a format that made the arena feel alive. Dubai got a headline exhibition with real stars, real effort, and a mutual respect that stayed obvious all the way through the final embrace. Fans left with the score, the laughs, and the kind of tennis memory people keep bringing up long after the lights go down.
