A highly anticipated tennis exhibition match, styled as a modern “Battle of the Sexes,” is set to feature women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, introducing a series of unprecedented rule modifications. Organisers confirmed that the contest will see Sabalenka defending a court nine per cent smaller than the standard dimensions, a significant alteration. Additionally, both elite athletes will be limited to a single serve per point, a departure from conventional tennis rules designed to create a unique competitive environment and spark widespread discussion within the sport.
These innovative rule changes, spearheaded by Evolve agency which manages both players, are explicitly aimed at mitigating the traditional physical advantages male players often possess. The decision to reduce Sabalenka’s court area, as detailed in the event’s press release, is intended to “reflect average movement-speed differences between men and women.” The imposition of a single-serve limit for both competitors is envisioned to shift the tactical emphasis from raw power and speed towards precision and strategic placement, thereby fostering a more balanced and captivating spectacle for audiences worldwide.
Aryna Sabalenka has openly voiced the considerable challenge she believes women face when competing against men under standard tennis regulations. The two-time Grand Slam champion highlighted the inherent physical disparities, specifically citing men’s superior strength, greater court speed, and the increased power behind their shots, as factors that would make a full-court contest “really tough.” Sabalenka expressed that these tailored conditions, particularly the reduced court size, provide her with a crucial “higher chance to compete” effectively and test her skills in a truly competitive environment. She suggested that a positive outcome could potentially pave the way for future discussions regarding mixed-gender matches.
Nick Kyrgios, known for his unconventional style and outspoken personality, played a pivotal role in advocating for the mutual one-serve rule. Sabalenka disclosed in a joint interview that Kyrgios became “stressed” at the initial proposal which would have granted her two serves to his one. The Australian, currently ranked 671 globally following an extended injury lay-off that saw him play just five official matches in 2025, asserted that he would feel like the “underdog” if his opponent held a double-serve advantage. Kyrgios is targeting a return to professional tennis in 2026, with plans to make his comeback at the Australian Open, making this exhibition a significant step in his rehabilitation and public profile.
The exhibition match is structured as a best-of-three sets encounter, with any deciding third set to be played as a match tiebreak to ten points. This format ensures a definitive outcome while maintaining a brisk pace for the audience. The event is scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Dubai, a growing hub for international sporting events, and will benefit from extensive live coverage by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), ensuring broad accessibility for tennis enthusiasts across various regions.
This modern rendition consciously draws inspiration from the iconic 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match, a landmark event in sports history. That historic contest pitted women’s world No. 1 Billie Jean King against the flamboyant former men’s No. 1 Bobby Riggs, who famously boasted of male athletic superiority. King’s dominant straight-sets victory over Riggs, played before an enthusiastic crowd of 30,000 at Houston’s Astrodome, transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming a powerful symbol for women’s rights and gender equality movements globally.
However, Billie Jean King, now 82, has issued a clear distinction between her pivotal 1973 triumph and the upcoming Sabalenka-Kyrgios exhibition. Speaking candidly to the BBC, King acknowledged that the only shared characteristic between the two events is the participation of a male and a female player. She firmly reiterated that her victory over Riggs was deeply rooted in the broader context of “societal change” and the specific cultural landscape of 1973, setting it apart from a contemporary exhibition primarily focused on sporting novelty.
King elaborated on her perspective, emphasizing the profound social and political implications that defined her original “Battle of the Sexes.” “Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one is not,” she stated unequivocally. While expressing her hope for a compelling match and her clear support for Sabalenka to emerge victorious, King maintained that the current event, despite its intriguing premise, does not carry the same historical weight or social imperative. This nuanced view highlights the ongoing conversation about the purpose and impact of mixed-gender sporting events.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to test the boundaries of tennis competition and spark further debate about gender differences in professional sport. While some may view the rule modifications as a necessary step towards creating a more equitable contest, others might argue for the purity of standard rules. Regardless of the differing opinions, the event ensures a high-profile platform for both Sabalenka and Kyrgios, attracting global attention to their skills and personalities, and potentially inspiring future innovative formats in tennis.
