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Sabalenka to face Kyrgios in modern 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition
World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a high-profile exhibition match in Dubai on 28 December, organizers confirmed Tuesday. The event, styled as a contemporary "Battle of the Sexes," revives the 1973 clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which drew 90 million viewers and became a cultural milestone.
Modified rules for fairness
To balance the physical advantages typically held by male players, the court will feature a 9% smaller playing area on Sabalenka's side, reflecting data showing women move about 9% slower on average. Both players will also be limited to a single serve per point, a rule aimed at neutralizing Kyrgios' power-his career ace rate ranks eighth on the ATP Tour. A 10-point tiebreaker will decide the match if it reaches a third set.
Sabalenka, 27, enters the contest as the reigning US Open champion and the WTA's dominant force, having won four Grand Slam titles in the past 18 months. Kyrgios, 30, has played just five matches in 2025 as he recovers from a wrist injury that nearly ended his career. Despite his current ranking of 652nd, his explosive serve-peaking at 143 mph at Wimbledon in 2019-remains a weapon, though Sabalenka's own 133-mph serve (the second-fastest in women's tennis) and aggressive baseline game pose a serious threat.
Stakes and controversy
The exhibition, organized by Evolve (the agency representing both players), has sparked debate. Supporters argue it could attract younger audiences through social media engagement, while critics warn it risks undermining women's tennis. Catherine Whitaker, co-host of The Tennis Podcast, called it a "crass commercial venture" that gives Kyrgios-a figure with a history of misogynistic remarks and legal issues-an unwarranted platform.
"I see absolutely nothing to be gained for women's tennis-I see only bleakness. If Sabalenka wins, she beats an unfit player irrelevant for years. If Kyrgios wins, it fuels his narrative. It's disgusting this is happening in 2025."
Catherine Whitaker, The Tennis Podcast
Sabalenka dismissed concerns, calling the match a "cool idea," while Kyrgios-who once questioned whether he'd need to "try 100%" to win-adopted a more respectful tone in the official announcement: "When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse."
Logistics and legacy
The match will take place at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena (capacity: 17,000) and is expected to stream globally, though broadcast details remain unconfirmed. Unlike the 1973 original-which carried symbolic weight in the fight for gender equality-this iteration offers no ranking points or confirmed prize money. Evolve co-founder Stuart Duguid framed it as "respect, rivalry, and reimagining equality in sport," but skeptics question whether the spectacle serves any purpose beyond entertainment.
Key differences from 1973
- Format: Best-of-three sets with a 10-point tiebreaker (vs. King-Riggs' best-of-five).
- Court: Asymmetrical dimensions to offset gender-based athletic differences.
- Serve rules: One serve per player to limit Kyrgios' advantage.
- Context: No overt gender-equality messaging; purely commercial.
What's next
Ticket sales and streaming partnerships are expected to be announced next week. Sabalenka, who has incorporated more net play and drop shots into her game this season, may rely on variety to counter Kyrgios' power. For Kyrgios, the match offers a chance to reclaim relevance after months sidelined by injury and controversy.
"I genuinely think I'm going to win. I'll go out there and try my best to kick his ass."
Aryna Sabalenka
