A highly controversial and headline-grabbing tennis exhibition is set to take place in Dubai this weekend, as world number one Aryna Sabalenka takes on the mercurial Nick Kyrgios in a modern-day 'Battle of the Sexes'. The match, which has drawn criticism for its premise, will be broadcast live to UK audiences.
The event was officially confirmed by Evolve, the agency representing both players, after a war of words erupted between the two earlier this year. In September, Kyrgios claimed he could defeat the four-time grand slam champion without needing to give "100 per cent" effort. Sabalenka's fiery retort was a promise to "kick his ass", setting the stage for this off-season showdown.
When and How to Watch in the UK
The much-discussed clash is scheduled for Sunday 28 December. Play will begin at 3:45pm GMT from the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be shown live on BBC One and streamed via BBC iPlayer. The broadcast will be presented by Clare Balding, with commentary from Andrew Cotter.
The Controversial Modified Rules
To create a more competitive spectacle, organisers have implemented significant rule modifications. These changes have themselves become a focal point of debate.
Most notably, both players will be limited to just one serve per point, a move designed to neutralise Kyrgios's powerful delivery. Furthermore, Sabalenka's side of the court will be made nine per cent smaller.
Evolve stated this adjustment is intended to "reflect average movement-speed differences between men and women". The match will be contested over the best of three sets, with a match tiebreak (first to ten points) used if needed.
Legacy and Criticism of the Event
The exhibition draws its name from the iconic 1973 match where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets. That event, watched by an estimated 90 million people globally, was a landmark moment for gender equality in sports and society.
This modern iteration, however, has faced substantial criticism. Detractors argue it lacks the profound social context of the original, suggesting it instead provides a platform for misogynistic narratives that seek to diminish the women's game.
Sabalenka has been keen to acknowledge the legacy, stating: "I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game. I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take."
Kyrgios, whose ranking has fallen to 671 after an injury-plagued 2025, has embraced the entertainment value. "I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play—I'm here to entertain."
As the sporting world watches, the event promises spectacle and sparks conversation, ensuring the 'Battle of the Sexes' remains a potent, if contentious, concept in modern tennis.
