Sabalenka vs Kyrgios: Battle of the Sexes – start time, rules, how to watch

EXPLAINER

Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top female player, will face Australian superstar Nick Kyrgios on Sunday in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition tennis match in Dubai.

In a contemporary adaptation of Billie Jean King’s 1973 showdown with fellow American Bobby Riggs, which turned out to be a turning point for both tennis and the women’s movement, Sabalenka, 27, will square off against the 30-year-old former Wimbledon finalist.

Before their much-anticipated showdown, here is everything:

What caused the Sabalenka-Kyrgios match to occur?

At the US Open in September, Kyrgios, who was ranked as high as 13 in the men’s singles world, said he would beat the Belarusian with ease without having to “100 percent to win” in an interview.

He claimed he would defeat the world’s top-ranked female player and that women cannot return professional men’s serves.

Sabalenka responded by saying she was ready to “kick a**,” which eventually led to Evolve, the marketing firm that represents both players, organizing the matchup for this weekend.

What is the origin of the “Battle of the Sexes” in history?

King, 29, and Riggs, 55, engaged in the first “Battle of the Sexes” at the Houston Astrodome in 1973.

King, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, defeated the former men’s amateur player with 6-4, 6-3, and 6-3 in a matchup that attracted an estimated 90 million TV viewers worldwide.

King’s victory in straight sets established her status as a sports and feminist icon of her generation, which was then regarded as a turning point for women’s sport at the time.

What are the “Battle of the Sexes” rules?

It would be “really tough” to compete against a male player of Kyrgios’ standard using a full court and standard rules, according to Sabalenka, who appeared on the Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube show on December 9.

In consequence, this match’s rules have been modified a few times:

• Instead of two, the players will have one serve.
• The court’s side by Sabalenka will be 9% smaller than a typical tennis court.
• A 10-point tiebreaker will be used in the final set of the best-of-three game, if necessary.

What was Sabalenka’s opinion of the match?

In a press release, Sabalenka stated, “I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and be a part of this contemporary adaptation of the renowned Battle of the Sexes match.”

I call Dubai my home, and I am aware that this city enjoys large, entertaining events. I respect Nick and his talent greatly, but let’s face it, I’m ready to bring my A-game.

What has Kyrgios said about the game?

Kyrgios predicted he wouldn’t have to work hard to defeat the four-time Grand Slam champion.

She “is the kind of player who genuinely believes she will win,” Kyrgios said.

She won’t beat me, she said. Do you really believe that I must give it my all? Because I’m playing for the men’s side, I’ll try. I’d say like 6-2 maybe”.

“I believe I’ll be fine,” I’m going there, but I’m not interested in seeing her win. That is certain, he continued.

Are Kyrgios frequently injured preparing to play tennis again?

As he prepares to compete in the 2026 Australian Open, Kyrgios will compete at the Brisbane International on March 24 after receiving a wildcard entry, according to organizers’ announcement on Sunday.

He has had a difficult injury history his entire career, and he only played five singles matches in 2025, the most recent of which was at the Miami Open in March.

Kyrgios, the 2018 Brisbane champion, will need a wildcard to compete at Melbourne Park, which is currently ranked 673rd in the world without a protected ranking.

How can I watch the “Battle of the Sexes”?

The game is being streamed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and it is live, no cost, in the United Kingdom.

Check the local guides for international access.