World number one Aryna Sabalenka will compete against former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match in Dubai on December 28, echoing the historic 1973 contest that pitted Billie Jean King against Bobby Riggs.
The match was officially announced on November 4, 2025, with both players confirming the details on their social media channels. It will take place at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, marking a high-profile event in the tennis offseason. This confirmation came after initial discussions during the US Open, where Sabalenka hinted at the possibility, building anticipation among fans and media alike. The timing positions it as a marquee attraction during the year-end break, drawing global attention to the sport.
Sabalenka, the 27-year-old from Belarus, is currently the top-ranked women’s player and the reigning US Open champion, with four Grand Slam titles to her name. Her powerful game and consistent performance have solidified her position at the pinnacle of women’s tennis, making her a formidable opponent in any setting. In contrast, Kyrgios, a 30-year-old Australian, has seen his ranking plummet to 652nd due to a series of injuries that have limited his play over the past 18 months. He has not competed on the ATP Tour since his second-round exit at the Miami Open in March, raising questions about his current form and fitness.
The exhibition will feature unique rules to level the playing field, with Kyrgios reportedly having only one serve per point and hitting towards a smaller side of the court. These modifications are designed to add an element of fairness and entertainment, reminiscent of the original Battle of the Sexes matches. Kyrgios himself mentioned these conditions in his social media posts, predicting an easy win despite the handicaps, which has sparked curiosity about how the adjustments will impact the dynamics of the game. Such rule changes aim to balance the physical disparities while maintaining competitive integrity.
Both players expressed excitement about the event in their public statements. Sabalenka stated, “I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.” Kyrgios responded, “When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play, I’m here to entertain.” Their mutual respect underscores the promotional aspect of the match, highlighting it as both a sporting contest and a spectacle.
The match draws inspiration from the 1973 Battle of the Sexes, where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets, and a 1992 encounter between Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova under hybrid rules. Sabalenka acknowledged King’s legacy, saying, “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 of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.” This historical context adds depth to the event, connecting it to broader themes of gender equality and evolution in sports.
However, the event has sparked debate among tennis fans and analysts. Some view it as harmless fun that could attract new audiences, particularly through social media, while others worry it might undermine women’s sports if Sabalenka loses, especially given Kyrgios’ past controversies, including a guilty plea for assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023. Critics argue that it could fuel sexism, but supporters see it as a celebration of tennis’s entertainment value, potentially broadening the sport’s appeal beyond traditional boundaries.
Despite the concerns, Sabalenka appears confident, having joked at the US Open about “kicking Nick’s ass.” The match is organized by Evolve, the agency both players share, and is part of a series of exhibitions, including another in New York on December 8 where Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka and Kyrgios will play Tommy Paul. This exhibition not only provides a platform for Kyrgios to stay relevant amid his injury hiatus but also highlights Sabalenka’s star power, promising a captivating spectacle that blends sports and entertainment, with potential implications for future cross-gender events in tennis.