In a thrilling revival of one of tennis's most iconic formats, world number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to clash with former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a modern 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition. The highly anticipated match will take place in Dubai on Sunday, December 28, 2025, marking the fourth such inter-gender contest in the sport's history.
How to Watch the Historic Clash in the UK
For fans across the United Kingdom, watching this unique sporting spectacle couldn't be easier. The entire event will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage commencing at 3:45pm. The broadcast will be fronted by the esteemed presenter Clare Balding, while seasoned commentator Andrew Cotter will provide the match analysis. For those preferring to stream, the contest will also be available live and on-demand via BBC iPlayer.
Unique Rules to Level the Playing Field
Organisers have introduced several innovative rule modifications to create a balanced and compelling contest. In a significant adjustment, Aryna Sabalenka's half of the court will be reduced in size by nine percent. This change is designed to account for the average difference in movement speed between top male and female professionals.
Furthermore, to neutralise Kyrgios's renowned serving power, both players will be restricted to just one serve per point throughout the entire match. This rule aims to encourage longer, tactical rallies from the baseline. The match will be decided in a best-of-three sets format, with a 10-point match tiebreak replacing a full third set if the score is level after two.
Legacy and Current Form
This exhibition carries the weight of a rich legacy, harking back to the famous 1973 match where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs. It follows other notable inter-gender meetings involving legends like Margaret Court, Martina Navratilova, and Jimmy Connors.
Sabalenka enters the fray in formidable form, having enjoyed a stellar 2025 season which saw her successfully defend her US Open title. For Kyrgios, this match represents a critical step in his comeback, serving as a major fitness test following an extended period sidelined by injury.
The 'Battle of the Sexes' promises to be a fascinating blend of power, tactics, and sporting theatre, offering a fresh chapter in tennis's ongoing narrative of equality and competition.
