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Arina Sabalenka faces Nick Kyrgios A modern-day ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis exhibition using modified rules.
In September, Kyrgios Claimed he could beat SabalenkaThe women’s No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, suggested she would not need to give “100 percent” effort to win.
In response, Sabalenka said she would “kick his ass” and Evolve – the agency that represents both players – made the controversial match-up official, which is now taking place during the sport’s off-season.
In the original 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, with King’s victory in Houston becoming one of the most famous matches of all time.
Sabalenka has been the best player in the world over the past few seasons and won her fourth Grand Slam title By defeating Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final on September.
Critics of the match, which will be shown on the BBC, have pointed to the differences between this exhibition and the original 1973 Battle of the Sexes, which was about achieving social change, arguing that it provides a platform for misogynists to undermine the women’s game.
When will the ‘battle of the sexes’ happen?
The match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios will take place on Sunday 28 December at 3:45 pm GMT (UK time). The venue will be the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
TV channels and how to watch
It will be shown live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Claire Balding will present the program while commentary will be provided by Andrew Cotter.
What will be the rules?
Players will be limited to one serve each, while Sabalenka’s share of the court will be nine percent smaller. Matches will be best of three sets, with match tiebreaks, up to ten points if necessary, to decide the winner.
Organisers, the Evolve agency, which represents both Kyrgios and Sabalenka, said Sabalenka’s section of the court would be smaller “to reflect the average stroke-speed difference between the men and women” – while the players would only have one serve in an effort to neutralize the Australian’s power.
What else did Aryna Sabalenka say?
Sabalenka was asked about the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match as well as some of Kyrgios’ comments during the US Open in September.
“I think it’s a good idea, you know. I think it would be awesome to see,” she said. “It’s going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick.
“As he said in another interview, I really think I’m going to win, and I’ll definitely go out there, and I’ll try my best to kick his ass.”
In a press release confirming the exhibition programme, Sabalenka said: “I have great respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game.
“I am proud to represent women’s tennis and be a part of this modern version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.
“Dubai is my home, and I know this city loves big, entertaining events. I have huge respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.”
What did Nick Kyrgios say about the match?
Kyrgios played only five official matches in 2025 due to injury and missed Wimbledon and the US Open. His ranking has fallen to 671 Aiming to return to Australian Open,
“Knowing him, he’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said a few months ago. “I’m very excited for it. I think she’s the type of player that really thinks she’s going to win.
“He [Sabalenka] Not going to defeat me. Do you really think I have to give 100 percent effort? I will try. Because I am representing the men’s side. I’d say probably like 6-2.
“I’m not going to go out there and say, ‘Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play it.’ This will make me look very bad. I think the internet will go crazy – eat bananas.
“I mean, our services, the women can’t really return them,” Kyrgios also claimed. “And then we can just chip and knock down the shot.
“I think I’ll be fine. I’m going there, and I don’t want him to win. That’s for sure.”
In the press release announcing the Battle of the Sexes match, Kyrgios said: “When the World No. 1 challenges you, you answer the call. I have a lot of respect for Aryana; she is a powerhouse and a true champion.
“But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not here just to play – I’m here to entertain. That’s what I live for. Dubai, get ready for a show, because I’m going to bring the heat to the Coca-Cola Arena.”
What happened in the 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’?
Billie Jean King, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, reluctantly agreed to take on Bobby Riggs, a self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” after he defeated Margaret Court in a match later known as the ‘Mother’s Day Massacre’.
King was 29 years old and the top women’s player in the world when she faced Riggs, a former No. 1-ranked men’s player who, at the age of 55, claimed he could beat any women’s player.
In the most watched tennis match ever, with 30,000 in attendance in Houston and an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide, King defeated Riggs in straight sets. It created a moment that helped energize the gathering force of the women’s rights movement in the United States.
