Evolve
Battle of the Sexes II: Sabalenka v Kyrgios
In a repeat of the famous 1973 mixed singles match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, number 1 in the WTA ranking Aryna Sabalenka will face the controversial Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios this Sunday in Dubai.
The world number one in women’s tennis, Aryna Sabalenkawill measure forces with the irreverent Australian Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition game titled “Battle of the Sexes”.
In this Sunday’s match, which will take place in Dubai, Sabalenka, 27, will face the former Wimbledon finalist, 30, in a modern version of the iconic 1973 duel between Billie Jean King e Bobby Riggswhich marked a turning point in tennis and the women’s movement.
Kyrgios, who was already ranked 13th in the men’s singles world rankings, threw the challenge to Sabalenka in September, during the US Open. The Australian stated that could easily defeat the Belarusian“without needing to give 100% effort”.
According to the Australian, women are unable to respond to services of male professionals and assured that he would win without any problems the best player in the world — who responded by saying that was ready to “give a fight”.
O verbal contempt between the two tennis players ended up leading Evolve, the marketing agency that represents both players, to organize the duel between the two players.
A Original “Battle of the Sexes” took place in 1973, at the Astrodome in Houston, between Billie Jean King, then 29 years old, and Bobby Riggs, 55.
King, winner of 12 Grand Slam titles in singles and one of the greatest tennis players of all time, made history by defeating Riggsformer men’s amateur world number one, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, in a match that will have been seen for around 90 million viewers all over the world.
King’s victory, in three straight sets, is considered a decisive moment for women’s sport, consolidating her as an icon of sport and the feminist movement of her generation.
What are the rules?
On the 9th, in statements to the “” channel on YouTube, Sabalenka admitted it would be “really difficult” compete against a player of Kyrgios’ caliber using the full field and traditional rules.
Therefore, several changes were introduced to the rules for this duel: players will only have right to a serviceinstead of the usual two, and Sabalenka’s side of the field will be 9% smaller than normal size. The match will be the best of 3 sets, with a 10-point ‘super tiebreak’ in the last set, if necessary.
“I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and take part in this modern version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes,” Sabalenka said in a statement. “I know Dubai loves big events and spectacles. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but Make no mistake: I’m ready to do my best”.
Kyrgios guarantees that will beat the four-time champion of the Grand Slam without much effort. “I think she is one of those players who Do you really believe you will win?”, said the Australian.
“She’s not going to beat me. Do they really think I need to give 100% effort?? I will do my best because I am representing the masculine side. I bet on a result like 6-2, maybe. I think I’ll be fine. I don’t want her to win. That’s right,” he added.
Kyrgios will compete at the Brisbane International next month after receiving a ‘wildcard‘ from organizers as they work towards a possible return to the Australian Open in 2026.
The Australian’s career in recent years has been marred by injuries. The Australian, champion in Brisbane in 2018, is currently in 673rd place of the ATP rankings, and played just five singles matches in 2025, the last of which was at the Miami Open, in March.
The “Battle of the Sexes” between Sabalenka and Kyrgios will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena, in Dubai, starting at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday.
