Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios: 'Battle of the Sexes' in Dubai 2025
On 28 December 2025, women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Australian star Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena. This event revives the historic 'Battle of the Sexes' concept, first popularized by Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs over 50 years ago.
The original 'Battle of the Sexes' in 1973, where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in front of 90 million viewers, marked a milestone for gender equality in sports.
Event Details
Organized by the management agency Evolve, the match is a rare modern take on the gender face-off, the first in over thirty years. The format remains unspecified, with reports suggesting possible changes to serving limits and court setup.
Participants' Perspectives and Conditions
- Sabalenka, 27, expresses confidence, stating she's "ready to bring her A-game" amid a successful stint, including consecutive US Open titles and a Madrid Open victory.
- Kyrgios, 30, a former Wimbledon finalist, is currently ranked 650 due to an 18-month wrist injury that limited his play to five matches in the year. Despite complications, he pledges to entertain and participate actively in this unique event.
Summary
This exhibition match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios symbolizes a modern innovation in tennis, blending sport and entertainment while honoring a historic fight for gender equality.