Dubai, United Arab Emirates – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Australian star Nick Kyrgios in a high-profile “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition tennis match at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday. The match is a modern take on the iconic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which became a landmark event in tennis history and the women’s sports movement.

The exhibition promises entertainment, competitive spirit, and a reimagined twist on the classic gender rivalry in tennis.

Match Details

• Players: Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios
• Event: Battle of the Sexes Exhibition Match
• Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE
• Start Time: Sunday at 7:45 PM local time (15:45 GMT)
• Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport will provide live text commentary from 13:00 GMT ahead of the match. The UK audience can watch live and free on BBC 1 and stream via BBC iPlayer. Local guides should be checked for broadcast in other regions.

How the Match Came About

The match was sparked when Kyrgios, ranked as high as 13 in men’s singles, challenged Sabalenka during the US Open in September 2025. In an interview, he claimed he could easily defeat her without giving “100 percent,” asserting that women cannot return professional men’s serves.

Sabalenka responded confidently, stating she was ready to “kick a**.” The exchange led to Evolve, the marketing agency representing both players, organizing this weekend’s exhibition match in Dubai.

History Behind the “Battle of the Sexes”

The original Battle of the Sexes took place in 1973 at the Houston Astrodome. Billie Jean King, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, defeated 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. The event drew approximately 90 million TV viewers worldwide and became a pivotal moment for women’s sports and gender equality.

Rules for the Modern Exhibition

To balance the competition, several modifications have been introduced:

• Players will have only one serve instead of the usual two.
• Sabalenka’s side of the court is 9% smaller than a standard court.
• The match will be best-of-three sets, with a 10-point tiebreaker in the final set if needed.

Sabalenka said the adjustments make the contest fairer against a male player of Kyrgios’s caliber.

Players’ Perspectives

Aryna Sabalenka:
“I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and take part in this modern twist on the iconic Battle of the Sexes. Dubai is my home, and I know this city loves big, entertaining events. I have a lot of respect for Nick, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.”

Nick Kyrgios:
“I think she genuinely believes she’s going to win, but she is not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 percent? I’m gonna try because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe. I’m going to be OK, but I don’t want her to win—that’s for sure.”

Kyrgios’s Return to Professional Tennis

Kyrgios is set to compete in next month’s Brisbane International after receiving a wildcard, as he works toward a potential return at the 2026 Australian Open. Injuries limited him to just five singles matches in 2025, with his most recent appearance at the Miami Open in March. He is currently ranked 673rd in the world and will require a wildcard to participate in Melbourne Park.

How to Watch

• UK: BBC 1 (live and free), BBC iPlayer
• Al Jazeera: Live text commentary
• Other countries: Check local listings for broadcast availability

This weekend’s exhibition promises to capture global attention, celebrating both tennis skill and the historic rivalry between men and women in sport.