World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios have announced their participation in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis exhibition in Dubai on Dec. 28. The match, inspired by the 1973 Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs showdown, will feature modified rules, including Kyrgios’ one-serve and smaller court adjustments, with an audience of 17,000 fans at Coca-Cola Arena.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion including victories at the U.S. Opens, has been a dominant force in women’s tennis, reaching the finals of this year’s Australian and French Opens. Kyrgios, whose ranking has dropped to No. 652 following multiple injuries, has not played in many events since the end of the 2022 season, largely due to setbacks in 2023 and 2025. Despite this, he has carved out a new role in tennis as a commentator, with his recent excitement for returning to the court expressed through social media.
The exhibition match in Dubai will be followed by another event in New York on Dec. 8, where Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka, and Kyrgios will take on Tommy Paul. The unique format of the match highlights both players’ resilience and their willingness to engage in unconventional challenges, adding an element of entertainment while also showcasing their skills in a new context.