Tennis is in the spotlight once again as Aryna Sabalenka, the current women’s world No. 1, and Nick Kyrgios, a former men’s Wimbledon finalist, gear up for an exhibition event billed as the “Battle of the Sexes.” The match — a modern reimagining of the iconic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs — is scheduled for Sunday, 28 December 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
This exhibition match has generated buzz across the sports world, with fans curious about the rules, timing and how to watch this unusual gender-mixed face-off between two high-profile competitors.
What Is the Battle of the Sexes Match?
The “Battle of the Sexes” concept originated in the early 1970s when Billie Jean King faced Bobby Riggs in a landmark match that captured global attention and became a symbolic sporting moment. In this latest iteration, Sabalenka and Kyrgios are taking on similar roles but under modern conditions and modified match rules.
While the 1973 match carried significant social and historical weight, the 2025 version leans more toward entertainment and showcase tennis, blending competitive sport with spectacle.
Start Time and Location
The exhibition match will take place on 28 December at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sabalenka and Kyrgios are scheduled to begin play in the evening, with doors opening earlier to accommodate buildup and fan activity.
Globally, those following the match can tune in by local broadcast or online streaming platforms depending on their region. Broadcasters such as BBC One and BBC iPlayer are expected to carry live coverage in the United Kingdom, while other markets may have different arrangements.
Unique Rules and Format
Unlike regular ATP or WTA matches, this exhibition contest features modified rules designed to balance competition between a top female player and a male competitor, considering differences in playing style and physical strengths.
Key elements include:
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Court Adjustment: Sabalenka’s side of the court will be slightly smaller — about nine percent — to help balance rally dynamics.
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Serve Limit: Both players will be limited to one serve per point, emphasizing accuracy over raw power.
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Match Structure: The contest will be played over best-of-three sets, with a match tiebreak to ten points deciding the outcome if sets are tied.
These adjustments aim to create a competitive yet entertaining format that engages fans across tennis communities.
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and one of the dominant figures on the WTA Tour, has embraced the challenge and shown confidence ahead of the Dubai showdown. While acknowledging the event’s entertainment aspect, she has expressed respect for tennis history and the original “Battle of the Sexes,” stating her intent to compete earnestly and make the match exciting for fans.
For Sabalenka, the match offers an opportunity to showcase her skills in a unique setting and to engage viewers who may not typically follow exhibition tennis.
Kyrgios’s Role and Comeback
Nick Kyrgios, known for his charismatic and unpredictable style on tour, brings his own flair to the event. Although ranked outside the top tier due to recent injuries and a limited playing schedule in 2025, Kyrgios sees this match as an entertaining return to competitive action before heading into the 2026 season.
Kyrgios’s participation has helped generate additional attention from tennis fans and media, adding to the broader discussion around mixed-gender exhibition events in modern sport.
Reaction From Fans and Critics
The reaction to the upcoming match has been mixed. Some fans appreciate the spectacle and the chance to see two wildly different playing styles go head-to-head. Critics, however, point out that unlike the socially significant 1973 match, the 2025 version is primarily entertainment — with less clear impact on broader discussions about gender equality in sport.
Despite controversy, organisers and players emphasize that the main aim is to deliver a memorable exhibition that celebrates tennis and athleticism in a novel format.
How to Watch Live
Tennis enthusiasts can watch the event live or via broadcasts depending on their region. Broadcasters including BBC One in the UK will carry live coverage, and online streaming options may be available for international viewers. Details continue to be updated as the event approaches.
Fans should check local listings and streaming platforms closer to match day for exact start times and viewing opportunities.
The Sabalenka vs Kyrgios “Battle of the Sexes” is one of the most talked-about tennis exhibitions of the season, blending elite athletic competition with modified rules and global fanfare. Whether viewed as a tribute to the historical 1973 matchup or simply as a compelling sporting event, the exhibition has captured the imagination of tennis followers around the world. With unique rules, a packed arena in Dubai, and global broadcasting, it promises to be an unforgettable showdown in December.
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Match schedules, rules and broadcast details are subject to change. Please refer to official tournament or broadcaster announcements for the most up-to-date information.