A controversial modern-day 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis exhibition is set to take place in Dubai, pitting women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka against the outspoken Australian Nick Kyrgios. The match, which has drawn criticism for its perceived departure from the original 1973 event's societal significance, will be broadcast live to UK audiences.
Match Details and How to Watch
The highly-publicised clash is scheduled for Sunday 28 December 2025, with play commencing at 3:45pm GMT. The venue for the event is the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Coverage will be presented by Clare Balding, with commentary from Andrew Cotter.
Controversial Rules and Build-Up
The exhibition will be played under modified rules designed to create a more even contest. Organisers from the Evolve agency, which represents both players, confirmed that players will be limited to one serve each, a move intended to neutralise Kyrgios's powerful delivery.
Furthermore, Sabalenka's side of the court will be nine per cent smaller. Evolve stated this adjustment was to "reflect average movement-speed differences between men and women". The match format is best of three sets, with a match tiebreak to ten points deciding the winner if needed.
The event was arranged after Kyrgios claimed in September that he could beat the four-time grand slam champion, suggesting he would not need to try "100 per cent". Sabalenka's fiery response was a promise to "kick his ass", leading to the official confirmation of the match.
Player Perspectives and Historical Context
Aryna Sabalenka, the dominant force on the WTA tour, has expressed respect for the legacy of the original Battle of the Sexes. "I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," she said. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic match."
Nick Kyrgios, whose 2025 season was ravaged by injury, sees the event as pure entertainment. "I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he stated. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play—I'm here to entertain."
The original 1973 Battle of the Sexes saw Billie Jean King defeat Bobby Riggs in straight sets in front of a global television audience estimated at 90 million. King's victory became a landmark moment for the women's rights movement. Critics argue this modern iteration, lacking that societal context, risks providing a platform to diminish women's tennis.
As the off-season spectacle approaches, the tennis world is divided. Some see it as a harmless exhibition, while others question its message. All eyes will be on Dubai to see if Sabalenka can back up her words or if Kyrgios's confidence proves justified.
