explainer
In a renewal of the 1973 mixed singles match, Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in Dubai on Sunday.
Who: Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios
Content: “Battle of the Sexes” Exhibition Tennis Match
Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
When: Sunday 7:45pm (15:45 GMT)
How to follow: Get everything ready on Al Jazeera Sports from 13:00 GMT ahead of the live text commentary stream.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios in a Battle of the Sexes exhibition tennis match in Dubai on Sunday.
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Sabalenka, 27, will face the 30-year-old former Wimbledon finalist in a modern take on the 1973 showdown between tennis icon Billie Jean King and fellow American Bobby Riggs. This showdown was a turning point for both tennis and the women’s movement.
Here’s what you need to know before the highly anticipated showdown.
How did the Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios fight come about?
Kyrgios, ranked 13th in the world in men’s singles, will challenge Sabalenka at the US Open in September and said in an interview that he would easily dispatch the Belarusian without having to work “100 percent to win.”
He said women cannot return the serve of professional men and claimed to beat the world’s top-ranked female players.
Sabalenka responded that she was ready to “kick,” and ultimately Evolve, the marketing agency representing both fighters, was chosen to organize this weekend’s matchup.
What is the history behind “Battle of the Sexes”?
The original “Battle of the Sexes” took place in 1973 at the Houston Astrodome between King, then 29, and Riggs, 55.
King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion, made history by defeating the former world number one male amateur 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in a match that drew an estimated 90 million television viewers worldwide.
King’s straight-set victory was considered a pivotal moment for women’s sports at the time, cementing her status as a sports and feminist icon for her generation.
What are the rules for “Battle of the Sexes”?
Sabalenka said on Piers Morgan’s uncensored YouTube show on Dec. 9 that it would be “really tough” to play against a male player of Kyrgios’ standard using full court and standard rules.
As a result, several rules were changed for this match.
Players are limited to one serve instead of two. The court on Sabalenka’s side will be 9 percent smaller than a regular tennis court. It will be a three-set contest with a 10-point tiebreak in the final set if necessary.
What does Sabalenka say about the match?
“I am proud to represent women’s tennis and participate in a modern-day version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match,” Sabalenka said in a news release.
“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 best game.”
What does Kyrgios say about the match?
Kyrgios said he could beat the four-time Grand Slam champion without trying too hard.
“I think she’s the type of player who really thinks she’s going to win,” Kyrgios said.
“She’s not going to beat me. Do you really think I have to give 100 percent? I represent the boys team so I’m going to try. I think it’s probably about 6-2.”
“I think I’ll be fine. I’m going to go there. And I don’t want her to win, that’s for sure,” he added.
Is Kyrgios planning a return to professional tennis despite frequent injuries?
Kyrgios will compete at next month’s Brisbane International following a wildcard entry and will strive to return to the Australian Open in 2026, organizers announced on Sunday.
His career has been ravaged by injuries in recent years, and he only played in five singles matches in 2025, most recently at the Miami Open in March.
Kyrgios, the 2018 Brisbane champion, is currently ranked 673rd in the world, has no protected ranking and will need a wild card to compete at Melbourne Park.
How to watch “Battle of the Sexes”
The match will be broadcast live for free on BBC 1 in the UK and streamed on BBC iPlayer.
For access in other countries, please check our local guides.
Al Jazeera will provide live text commentary of the match.
