Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match Dec. 28 as part of a modern tennis “Battle of the Sexes” using modified rules.
Kyrgios claimed he could beat Sabalenkawomen’s world number 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, suggesting he wouldn’t need to try “100%” to win.
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In response, Sabalenka said she will be determined to “kick his ass” – with a date and location now revealed for the exhibition which will be broadcast live on BBC One.
(Getty Images)
In the original 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, with King’s victory in Houston considered one of the most famous matches of all time.
Sabalenka has been the best player in the world for the past two seasons and won her fourth Grand Slam title. by beating Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final in September.
When will the “Battle of the Sexes” take place?
The date and venue for the Sabalenka vs Kyrgios match have now been confirmed, with Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena hosting the match on Sunday, December 28 from 3:45 p.m. GMT (UK time). It will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
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What will the rules be?
Players will be limited to one serve each, while Sabalenka’s side of the court will be nine percent smaller. The match will be a best-of-three set, with a ten-point deciding match determining the winner if necessary.
Organizers, agency Evolve which represents both Kyrgios and Sabalenka, said Sabalenka’s side of the court will be smaller to “reflect the average differences in movement speed between men and women” – while players will only have one serve in a bid to mitigate Krygios’ power.
What else did Aryna Sabalenka say?
Sabalenka was asked about the “Battle of the Sexes” match, as well as some of Kyrgios’ comments, during the US Open in September.
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“I think it’s a good idea, you know. I think it’s going to be spectacular to watch,” she said. “It’s going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick.
“As he said in another interview, I honestly think I’m going to win, and I’ll definitely go out there, and I’ll do my best to kick his ass.”
Aryna Sabalenka is the world number 1 and has been the dominant force on the WTA Tour (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
In a press release confirming the exhibition event, Sabalenka added: “I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for women’s soccer.
“I am proud to represent women’s tennis and be part of this modern version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.
“Dubai is my home and I know this city loves big, fun events. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A game.”
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What did Nick Kyrgios say about the match?
Kyrgios has only played five matches this season due to injury and withdrew from Wimbledon and the US Open. With his ranking plummeting to 652, he is eyeing a return to the Australian Open.
“Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said a few months ago. “I’m super excited for it. I think she’s the type of player who honestly thinks she’s going to win.
“She (Sabalenka) is not going to beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 percent? I will try. Because I represent the men’s team. I would say 6-2 maybe.
“I’m not going to go in there and say, ‘Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play that.’ That would make me look bad. I imagine the internet would go crazy – go bananas.
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“I mean, our services, women can’t really provide them,” Kyrgios also said. “And then we can just chip and throw a shot.
“I think everything will be fine. I’ll go for it and I don’t want her to win. That’s for sure.”
Nick Kyrgios has been struggling with injuries since reaching Wimbledon final and US Open quarterfinals in 2023 (Getty)
In the press release announcing the Battle of the Sexes match, Kyrgios said: “When the world number 1 challenges you, you answer the call. I have enormous respect for Aryna; she is a powerhouse and a true champion.
“But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to perform, I’m here to entertain. That’s what I live for. Dubai, get ready for a show, because I’m going to bring the heat to the Coca-Cola Arena.”
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What happened in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes”?
12-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King reluctantly agreed to face Bobby Riggs, a self-described “macho pig,” after defeating Margaret Court in a match later known as the “Mother’s Day Massacre.”
King was 29 and the best player in the world when she faced Riggs, the former number one ranked men’s player who, at the age of 55, boasted that he could beat any women’s player.
In what remains the most-watched tennis match of all time, with 30,000 people in attendance in Houston and an estimated 90 million watching worldwide, King defeated Riggs in straight sets. It created a moment that helped strengthen the uniting force of the women’s rights movement in the United States.
The match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs has been dubbed ‘Battle of the Sexes’ (AP)
