Image source, Getty Images

That's all from us today from this modern-day Battle of the Sexes.

It was Nick Kyrgios who came out on top of the exhibition match in Dubai as he claimed a 6-3 6-3 win over Aryna Sabalenka.

And there was no shortage of talking points from the controversial clash at the Coca-Cola Arena - more than 50 years on from the historic battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Sabalenka made a striking entrance as she arrived in a glittering trench coat, while the players were limited to just one serve and the court itself looked rather different to normal - with Sabalenka's side reduced by 9%.

The pair exchanged breaks throughout the first set before Kyrgios won three games in a row to wrap up the opener.

Sabalenka broke first in the second set, but Australian Kyrgios - ranked 671st in men's singles - clawed his way back and a break at 4-3 proved decisive and he ultimately grabbed the win at the fourth time of asking.

We'll leave you with Jonathan Jurejko's developing report on the action.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC One

It will be really interesting now if we see more matches like this. 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?

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC One

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.

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.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC One

The turning point happened at a similar point in both sets.

No one, male or female, is used to playing someone like Kyrgios, and it will throw you out of your rhythm.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC One

I didn't feel like it showcased her enough, of what we know she is capable of.

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.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC One

It was a match against a physically stronger opponent as we prepare for the new season.

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.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC One

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.

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.

Here's a bit more from Nick Kyrgios following his victory over Aryna Sabalenka: "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.

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

"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."

More from Nick Kyrgios: "She broke my serve numerous times, and I had to strap in.

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

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

Nick Kyrgios speaking after the match: "Honestly it was a really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion.

"I didn't really know what to expect. Whatever role I was to play, it was just another great opportunity to go out here."

Image source, Reuters

More from Aryna Sabalenka on playing with a different-sized court: "It felt different, the court was different.

"Obviously playing against a guy is different, everything is much faster. I hope for the next couple of days I will have great recovery, I'm pretty much ready for the season and I hope I will bring great tennis."

Aryna Sabalenka speaking after the match: "I felt great. I think I put up a great fight. He was struggling, he got really tired.

"I think it was a great level, I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, drop shots. Really enjoyed the show. Next time when I play him, I already know the tactics, his strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a better match for sure.

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

Image source, Getty Images

Nick Kyrgios says he is feeling emotional and that he is thankful to just be back on the court after plenty of long injury lay-offs.

The Australian has not played an ATP Tour singles match since April because of injury issues, while he missed the whole of the 2024 season with a wrist injury.

We'll bring you the full quotes from both players very shortly.

Nick Kyrgios says he "had to strap in" for a "really hard-fought battle".

Aryna Sabalenka looks pretty disappointed, but she gives the crowd a smile and a wave.

Nick Kyrgios heads straight to his seat for a breather.

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC One

Extra injection of power and pace behind Sabalenka's shots to stay in the game.

"Let's go," Aryna Sabalenka roars after ending a rally with a fierce forehand winner.

But we head back to deuce after she pushes the ball into the net.

Nick Kyrgios comes to the net and dinks the ball over, leaving Aryna Sabalenka with no hope of getting there.

Aryna Sabalenka 'stays alive' as Nick Kyrgios finds the net. Deuce.