Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios: ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Tennis Match in Dubai
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Australian star and 2022 Wimbledon men's finalist Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December 2025. This event revives the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ famously contested by Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs over 50 years ago.
Event Background and Significance
The original 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs before a worldwide audience of 90 million, marked a pivotal moment for gender equality in sports. This new match, organized by Sabalenka and Kyrgios' shared management agency Evolve, is the first of its kind in over 30 years.
"Ready to bring [my] A-game," Sabalenka said, while Kyrgios promised to "entertain" in this modern take on tennis’s most famous gender rivalry.
Players' Current Form
- Aryna Sabalenka, 27, is currently in excellent form, having recently won back-to-back US Open women's singles titles and the Madrid Open.
- Nick Kyrgios, 30, ranked 650th due to an 18-month wrist injury, has played only five matches this year but remains one of tennis’s most charismatic figures.
Match Format and Details
Although the match format has not been finalized, organizers are reportedly considering serving limits and possible court modifications to make the event unique and engaging.
Author's summary: The Dubai exhibition match rekindles the iconic gender tennis rivalry with top players Sabalenka and Kyrgios promising a thrilling sporting spectacle in December 2025.