Aryna Sabalenka fell to a straight sets defeat to Nick Kyrgios in the updated version of the Battle of the Sexes.
Kyrgios was the favourite to defeat Sabalenka and he did so in straightforward fashion, with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
The controversial match had plenty of critics before a single ball was struck, with many suggesting it would be disparaging for the women’s game no matter the result.
After suffering the high-profile defeat, Sabalenka defended her decision to take on Kyrgios in Dubai.
Aryna Sabalenka doesn’t understand the Battle of the Sexes criticism
Sabalenka was brazen in her defence of playing the exhibition event, suggesting it would bring more eyes on the sport.
Speaking at the Battle of the Sexes post-match press conference, Sabalenka said: “I honestly don’t understand how people were able to find something negative in this event.
“I think for the WTA I think I just showed that I was playing great tennis, it was an entertaining match. Yeah, he won this match, but I showed a great tennis. It was not like it was 6-0, 6-0.
“It was a great fight, it was interesting to watch. It brought more eyes on tennis. Legends were watching this match.”
Several football legends, including Ronaldo, Kaka, and Peter Crouch were in attendance at the Coca Cola Stadium, and the celebrity interest did not end there according to Sabalenka.
“Pretty big people were messaging me, wishing me all the best, and saying that they were going to be watching from all different areas of life.
“So I feel like we just brought more attention to our sport and I don’t see how it can be bad or how you can talk negatively about this.
“The idea behind it is to help our sport grow and show tennis from a different side. That tennis events can be more fun and more entertaining and we can make it almost as big as a Grand Slam. I think the attention that built up to this event was not less than a Grand Slam final.”
Sabalenka’s involvement in the Battle of the Sexes format could continue, too, as she hinted at a rematch during her post-match interview.
Did Aryna Sabalenka play at her best level?
Sabalenka was comprehensively beaten by Kyrgios, but she did show glimpses of the talent that has helped her become the best female player in the world.
The Belarusian star seemed to struggle with the smaller court, especially on serve where she hit a number of faults.
Sabalenka was serving from way behind the service line, and she lost a number of points by missing her first serve.
Speaking on the BBC’s coverage of the event, former British star Annabel Croft suggested Sabalenka didn’t fulfill her potential.
“I think it didn’t quite live up to what I thought it might be. I didn’t feel like it showcased her enough, of what we know she is capable of. But she certainly didn’t embarrass herself in any way.”
Sabalenka and Kyrgios will next be in action at the Brisbane International, which begins on 4 January.
