The much-anticipated 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis exhibition between the flamboyant Nick Kyrgios and women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be played under a unique set of modified rules designed to level the playing field.
Special Rules to Balance the Contest
Organisers from the Evolve agency, which represents both players, have confirmed significant adjustments for the match in Dubai. Sabalenka will defend a side of the court that is nine per cent smaller than the standard dimensions. This change, stated in a press release, is intended to reflect average differences in movement speed between male and female athletes.
Furthermore, in a major departure from regular tennis, both competitors will be limited to just one serve per point. This rule aims to prioritise accuracy over raw power and is seen as a direct move to neutralise Kyrgios's formidable serving advantage.
Players' Perspectives on the Rule Changes
The one-serve rule was a particular point of contention in the build-up. Sabalenka revealed in a joint interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored that the rule was altered after Kyrgios expressed concern. "Originally I had two serves but then he got so stressed that he took away one serve," she said.
Kyrgios defended his stance, arguing, "I feel like if she had two serves and I only had one serve I would be the underdog, I'm not even joking. It would be tough out there." The Australian, currently ranked 671st after an injury-hit 2025, is using the event as part of his comeback plans ahead of a targeted return at the Australian Open.
Sabalenka acknowledged the physical challenge of facing a top male player under standard conditions. "Physically they're much stronger, speed, the power of the balls, everything is much stronger," she said. The modified setup, however, gives her belief. "I feel like, OK, maybe at least I have a higher chance to compete and to see if I can win this."
A Modern Event with Historic Echoes
The exhibition, set to be broadcast live on the BBC, is a contemporary take on the famous 1973 'Battle of the Sexes' where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs. However, King herself has been quick to dismiss deep comparisons. The 82-year-old legend told the BBC that her victory was about "societal change," while the upcoming match is purely sporting entertainment.
"The only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That's it," King stated. "Everything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one is not." The match will be decided in a best-of-three sets format, with a match tiebreak to ten points if required.
