Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s No 1 women’s tennis player, in a modern-day ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis exhibition that will leave many questioning why the four-time grand slam champion accepted such a contest.
In a match that attracted controversy and split opinion, played on a modified court and with a one-serve limit, Kyrgios won 6-3 6-3 to win the exhibition set up by the Evolve agency that represents both players. Krygios, the former Wimbledon finalist, is currently No 671 in the men’s rankings after playing just six official matches in three years due to injuries.
The exhibition was inspired by the legacy of Billie Jean King’s iconic victory over the self-proclaimed male chauvinist Bobby Riggs in 1973, but Sabalenka struggled with the one-serve limit organisers said was introduced to neutralise Kyrgios’s natural power advantage. Sabalenka’s side of the court was also nine per cent smaller.
Follow live updates from Kyrgios v Sabalenka, below
Kyrgios v Sabalenka - Battle of the Sexes 2025
- World No 1 Sabalenka battles Kyrgios in Dubai, live on BBC One
- FIRST SET! Kyrgios wins the opening set 6-3 as Sabalenka struggles on serve
- Modified court and single-serve limit among rules for exhibition
- Kyrgios played just five official matches in 2025 due to injury
- Comment: Battle of the Sexes is the sequel no one wanted. Why is the BBC indulging such an ugly spectacle?
Sabalenka 3-6, 3-5 Kyrgios*
17:27 , Chris WilsonA vicious first serve from Kyrgios brings one of few of today’s aces, though Sabalenka fights back with a well-placed cross-court backhand to take it to 30-15.
Sabalenka can’t return the next serve though, bringing it to match point.
She rifles the next serve back across the court for a superb winner though, saving the first match point, before Kyrgios requests a 60-second break.
Sabalenka 3-6, 3-5 Kyrgios*
17:25 , Chris Wilson“Nick Kyrgios has not allowed Aryna Sabalenka to play the way she'd like to play this match. She isn't allowed to be aggressive the way she normally is.”
That’s the summary of the BBC commentary, noting that the Belarusian often uses her power in normal matches. We’ve seen flashes of it today but there have been some momentum-killers, notably the first-serve rule.
The world number one takes serve again but falls 15-40 behind as she drags two returns wide, though she saves the first and second break point as Kyrgios makes the error before falling short with a drop shot.
The Australian gets very lucky on the next shot, rifling against the top of the net to gain advantage, before Sabalenka hooks a shot past the byeline and Kyrgios moves to within one game of the win.
*Sabalenka 3-6, 3-4 Kyrgios
17:19 , Chris WilsonA slightly worse game from both in this one, with each player finding the net a couple of times as we move to 30-all.
However, Kyrgios takes advantage of his serve to secure the next point, before Sabalenka can’t return the final serve and the Australian moves into the lead.
Sabalenka 3-6, 3-3 Kyrgios*
17:16 , Chris WilsonA couple of near-misses from Sabalenka on the next game but she makes up for it with anorther brilliant winner, swatting a shot across the court and out of reach.
However, she faults on her next serve to take it give Kyrgios two break points.
No matter for now though, as the world number one works Kyrgios across the court before crashing a brilliant backhand down the line.
She does fire wide on the next point though, giving Kyrgios the break to bring it level at 3-3.
*Sabalenka 3-6, 3-2 Kyrgios
17:12 , Chris WilsonKyrgios finds the net with an attempted underarm serve before a great cross-court return from Sabalenka takes her into a 3-0 lead.
However, the Belarusian can’t return on the next two points to bring it back level, before she requests the first 60-second break.
The break features a brief dance of the Macarena, which will certainly serve to raise the standing of this event for the neutrals and experts.
We quickly move to deuce, before Kyrgios takes advantage and wraps up the game with a brilliant return into a postage stamp down the line.
*Sabalenka 3-6, 3-1 Kyrgios
17:06 , Chris WilsonA fault on the first serve from Sabalenka for 0-15, before she wrong-foots Kyrgios for 15-all.
Another fault brings it to 15-30, before Kyrgios’ clever cross-court return is out of reach and the Aussie has break point.
He can’t return either of the next two serves though, bringing it back to deuce.
A mis-judged drop shot gives Sabalenka advantage, but she fires long to take it back level. However, another superb backhand saves the game after she falls behind.
And the world number one holds as Kyrgios clips narrowly wide, with Sabalenka now leading 3-1!
*Sabalenka 3-6, 2-1 Kyrgios
16:59 , Chris WilsonMore good stuff from Sabalenka as she takes a 30-0 lead on Kyrgios’ serve, before the world number one takes the first break!
Some more interruption on the BBC coverage, but we’re back in action for now at least.
Sabalenka 3-6, 1-1 Kyrgios*
16:55 , Chris WilsonThe BBC coverage is interrupted briefly but we return with Sabalenka leading 30-0, before Kyrgios finds the net then slips before returning to concede the second game.
*Sabalenka 3-6, 0-1 Kyrgios
16:53 , Chris WilsonKyrgios gets into a 30-0 lead as he starts with the serve, with his mixed-up serves causing Sabalenka some issues, though she claws it back with a brilliant shot before he finds the net with a return.
The Australian thinks he’s taken the game at 40-30 after a great serve, but Sabalenka somehow finds a superb cushioned return down the line!
However, Kyrgios continues working the world number one around the court, including a couple of drop shots, before volleying past for 1-0 in the second set.
*denotes next to serve
Sabalenka 3-6 Krygios - Kyrgios takes first set!
16:49 , Chris WilsonSabelenka looked like she was in the ascendancy for a period of that set but Kyrgios quickly seized his chance when it presented itself, with the Australian winning each of the last three games.
He’s sweating a fair bit and not moving as fluently though, though it hasn’t affected the match too much so far though.
We’re about to get underway in set two.
Sabalenka 3-6 Krygios - Kyrgios takes first set!
16:47 , Chris WilsonKyrgios is looking to capitalise on this chance, approaching the net early on and racing into a 40-0 lead.
Set point for the Aussie, but he wastes the first one by firing long before the shot of the match so far from Sabalenka, who reaches a return and rifles it back down the line out of reach. Kyrgios stands there stunned!
However, Sabalenka falters at the net on the next point and Kyrgios takes the first set.
Sabalenka 3-5 Krygios
16:43 , Chris WilsonWell-worked from Kyrgios to win the first couple of points on his next serve, before a couple of unforced errors from Sabalenka take the Australian to within a game of the first set.
Sabalenka 3-4 Krygios
16:40 , Chris WilsonSabalenka has fallen victim to the first-serve rule a few times already, though she makes up for the latest one with a lovely cross-court shot before a bit of fortune takes a return over via two touches on the top of the net!
40-15 to the world number one – but she finds the net with the first serve again, and then once more! We move to deuce.
Another return goes long to give Kyrgios the advantage, before Sabalenka fires into the net for 3-4.
Sabalenka 3-3 Krygios
16:35 , Chris WilsonKyrgios quickly falls to 0-40 as we resume, with a failed drop shot from the Aussie taking it to break point.
Kyrgios saves it before Sabalenka fires wide to take it to 30-40, though he makes a mistake with a tame volley and the world number one capitalises to break again!
Sabalenka 2-3 Krygios
16:30 , Chris WilsonTwo great returns from Kyrgios take him into a 30-15 lead, before Sabalenka is once again unlucky not to get over the net as she worked the Australian wide.
Kyrgios fires wide on the next point – a victim of the reduced court size – but he takes the game in the end as Sabalenka hooks over the byeline.
Sabalenka 2-2 Krygios
16:26 , Chris WilsonA couple of unforced errors from both players take it to 15-30 on Kyrgios’ serve, though Sabalenka pulls him out of position well before only managing to find the net. She looks irritated with that one!
Kyrgios follows it up with a fault though to give the world number one a chance to break – he goes aggressively to the net to secure the point though.
He goes short with a slice though, before Kyrgios loses the game by firing into the net!
Sabalenka 1-2 Krygios
16:21 , Chris WilsonAnother fault from Sabalenka proves the Belarusian’s undoing, before Krygios rifles a straight return down the line for 0-40.
And another fault means Kyrgios takes the first break of the day.
Sabalenka 1-1 Krygios
16:20 , Chris WilsonKyrgios starts mixing up his serves from the off and quickly takes his game, though Sabalenka provided a reminder of where the danger lies with a couple of superbly placed returns.
The Australian is moving a little gingerly at times, though it may be bravado at this early stage.
Sabalenka 1-0 Krygios
16:17 , Chris WilsonA couple of errors from both as we begin to take it to 15-all, before a lovely winner down the line from Sabalenka gives her the lead.
However, the world number one is the first victim of the one-serve rule, going long to take it level again.
She makes up for it next time out though, showing her power for the first time as she drags a cross-court backhand winner past Kyrgios.
And Sabalenka takes the first game as the Australian can only find the net with a return!
Kyrgios v Sabalenka - Battle of the Sexes 2025
16:13 , Chris WilsonHere we go then! About to get underway with Sabalenka to serve first!
Kyrgios v Sabalenka - Battle of the Sexes 2025
16:09 , Chris WilsonA few photos on the court after a fairly over-the-top walkout from Sabalenka, and now both players are warming up.
Kyrgios v Sabalenka - Battle of the Sexes 2025
16:06 , Chris WilsonBoth players making the walk out onto the court now, so we’ll be underway soon in the UAE.
'I’m just going to let my tennis do the talking'
16:04 , Chris Wilson“I’m excited, it’s a great challenge for me, I think it’s going to be a fun thing to watch,” says Sabalenka in another BBC preview clip.
“It’s not going to be an easy match for him, I’m ready to kick his a**,” she adds.
“I think it’s amazing for the sport, it gets more eyes on it, and i think it’ll be one of the most watch events in sport this year,” says Kyrgios.
“I know how capable she is, I’m just going to let my tennis do the talking,” adds the Australian.
Debatable comments from both players!
King calls match "not the same" as her original battle
16:01 , Chris Wilson“We’ve never said we’re better than men. We have talked about entertainment value. We’re not better than they are,” explains Billie Jean King in a BBC clip.
“I hope it’s a great match, I want Sabalenka obviously to win, but it’s just not the same [as her match with Bobby Riggs],” she says on this edition.
“It cannot be put into the same context as what King was trying to do in 1973,” adds Annabel Croft.
'It's bringing new eyeballs to tennis'
15:52 , Jack RathbornKyrgios described as "largely irrelevant" as the BBC’s broadcast begins...
Fans told that they are getting “a glimpse into the ever-evolving sports industry.”
Annabel Croft: "It tells us that there is a demand for tennis in many ways. It’s entertainment, it's bringing new eyeballs, this could never be compared to what Billie Jean King did.”
“It’s closer to Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua than Bobby Riggs v Billie Jean King,” says BBC Sport tennis correspondent Russell Fuller.
Kyrgios v Sabalenka - Battle of the Sexes 2025
15:50 , Chris WilsonBoth players are set to take to the court in just under 15 minutes time, so we should be underway soon.
Plenty of controversy mentioned early on, with the BBC preview labelling Kyrgios “largely irrelevant” in the men’s game in their pre-match coverage!
What is the demand for the 'Battle of the Sexes'?
15:48 , Jack RathbornThe viewership will be interesting on the BBC, with a limited barrier of entry, a large number is to be expected.
While Dubai’s 17,000-seater Coca-Cola Arena is expected to be a near sell-out.
That’s with a ticket costing anywhere from £100 in the upper tiers to more than £600 to be sat courtside.
Nick Kyrgios provides fitness update ahead of Battle of Sexes
15:43 , Jack Rathborn"In the past year I've had to have some serious conversations with myself about how much I want to dedicate myself," Kyrgios said. "I was asking myself if I really wanted to put myself in a pressure cooker – every time I go out there is a lot of expectation.
"But I feel great. Now I'm in my 30s, I have to start looking after my body a little better.
"I know if I can play best of three with a tie-break that's a long way from where I was a year and a half ago."
Nick Kyrgios v Aryna Sabalenka odds
15:37 , Jack RathbornMatch winner
Nick Kyrgios 1/7
Aryna Sabalenka 4/1
Total sets
Two sets 1/3
Three sets 9/4
'Maybe not intentionally, but the impact of Kyrgios v Sabalenka will belittle women's sport'
15:31 , Jack RathbornListen to The Independent’s Flo Clifford on today’s ‘Battle of Sexes’ and the problems surrounding Nick Kyrgios v Aryna Sabalenka:
In 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the most famous tennis matches in the sports' history.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 28, 2025
But fast forward to today's 'Battle of the Sexes' match, opinion is divided.
Sports journalist from The Independent @floclifford_ is one of those critics. pic.twitter.com/DlZl9vznCm
When will the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ take place?
15:25 , Chris WilsonWe’re around 10 minutes from the scheduled start of the match, so here’s a reminder of how you can watch the action...
The match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios will take place on Sunday December 28 from 3:45pm GMT (UK time). The venue will be Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
TV Channel and how to watch
It will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Clare Balding will present the programme while commentary will be provided by Andrew Cotter.
Nick Kyrgios v Aryna Sabalenka rules: ‘Battle of Sexes’ to use modified court and serve limit
15:20 , Chris WilsonA reminder of the rules for today’s contest as we approach the start of play...
The organisers of the event, the Evolve agency which represents both players, confirmed that the side of the court Sabalenka will defend will be nine per cent smaller than standard.
In addition, both Sabalenka and Kyrgios will be limited to one serve each when starting points, in a move that will force both players to prioritise accuracy over speed and has been introduced to neutralise Kyrgios’s natural advantage in power.
Kyrgios v Sabalenka rules: ‘Battle of Sexes’ to use modified court and serve limit
Aryna Sabalenka favourite for Australian Open 2026
15:13 , Jack RathbornAryna Sabalenka is the strong favourite for next month’s Australian Open 2026, where she will hope to right the wrong of 2025, when Madison Keys beat her in the final to prevent a ‘threepeat’ after her wins in 2023 and 2024.
- Aryna Sabalenka 2/1
- Iga Swiatek 11/2
- Elena Rybakina 17/2
- Coco Gauff 9/1
- Amanda Anisimova 10/1
- Mirra Andreeva 12/1
- Naomi Osaka 20/1
Greg Rusedski left 'frustrated' by Nick Kyrgios' inability to fulfil potential
15:07 , Jack Rathborn“The thing is that I think he is different,” Rusedski said on Off Court with Greg podcast.
“He is kind of like John McEnroe, but John McEnroe was desperate to win, so he had that angry, rage and bad boy spirit, but he gave 110%. Nick has the talent, but it depends on the day how he feels. If he feels like it, he’s brilliant. If he doesn’t, he can’t. You can’t do that any more.
“It’s just not possible with the way [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz have stepped up tennis to a different level. I miss that outspokenness. That’s why Kyrgios is popular. He is very outspoken and gives you headlines.
“But the frustrating part for me is that I would have loved to have seen him fulfil his full potential out there by putting in the extra work, but maybe that is not for him.
“He is very outspoken and gives you headlines. But the frustrating part for me is that I would have loved to have seen him fulfil his full potential out there by putting in the extra work, but maybe that is not for him.
“I could be completely and utterly wrong, but if you put 110% into something and fail, then you just have to take ownership and say maybe I was not good enough. That could possibly be it.”
Kyrgios v Sabalenka tale of the tape
14:59 , Jack RathbornAryna Sabalenka
Age: 27
Nationality: Belarus
Height: 5’11” (182cm)
Turned pro: 2015
Highest career ranking: Currently No 1
Career prize money: $45,175,621
Nick Kyrgios
Age: 30
Nationality: Australia
Height: 6’4″ (193cm)
Turned pro: 2013
Highest career ranking: No 13 (October 2016)
Career prize money: $12,802,482
Battle of the Sexes is the sequel no one wanted. Why is the BBC indulging such an ugly spectacle?
14:49 , Jack RathbornThe tennis season may be over but silly season is in full swing, and the last match of 2025 is likely to be its worst, writes Flo Clifford.
Sunday will stage the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, an exhibition – in all senses of the word – between the women’s world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and part-time tennis player, full-time attention seeker Nick Kyrgios.
In case you’ve been living under a rock – in which case, I envy you – here’s how it works. The pair will play a three-set match, with a 10-point deciding tiebreak if required, and only one serve per point, in Dubai (Yes, the irony of holding this event, a giant leap backwards for womankind, in the repressive state that is the UAE, is overwhelming).
Kyrgios and Sabalenka’s abominable Battle of the Sexes is the sequel no one wanted
Aryna Sabalenka form entering Battle of the Sexes
14:39 , Jack RathbornSabalenka has been active on the circuit in 2025 and was most recently in action at the WTA Finals.
She lost the final to Rybakina (3-6, 6-7), but escaped the group with wins over Pegula, Gauff and Paolini before a semi-final win over Anisimova (6-3, 3-6, 6-3).
Before that, she lost in the semi-finals of the Voyah Wuhan Open to Pegula (6-2, 4-6, 6-7), backing up her spectacular win at the US Open 2025, where she triumphed over Anisimova 6-3, 7-6.
Emma Raducanu details experience hitting with Carlos Alcaraz
14:25 , Jack Rathborn“It wasn’t long but I hit with Carlos in New York, and the impact of his ball… It looks like he’s not trying, but on your strings, it’s so heavy,” Raducanu said on what Sabalenka will have to deal with.
“That compared to a girl, usually they hit the ball flatter, except Iga [Swiatek] hits a very spinning ball. And there are certain exceptions on the women’s game. Aryna’s ball is pretty heavy, too.
“But I’d say the heaviness of the impact is different, and also just their strength in certain positions. You think you’ve hit a good shot, and they’re just able to get behind the ball like an extra step and generate and kind of one-up you and use your pace. That and the serve.”
Nick Kyrgios defends Battle of the Sexes due to media coverage
14:12 , Jack Rathborn“It has been one of the most talked-about events of the year. I don’t think any other tennis tournament has had such media coverage or attention.
“I know there will be many eyes on this match, but I just want to step on the court and show the world that great months are ahead.
“This is a great preparation for myself and Aryna. I know my role here, whether the villain or the good guy, is to show the world that this can happen more often. We are great friends off the court.”
Nick Kyrgios adapting training to suit Battle of the Sexes rule changes
14:00 , Jack Rathborn“My coach/best friend and I have made some adjustments at home,” Kyrgios revealed.
“We have tried to adapt to the court conditions. It will be interesting. I can’t wait to see the court and its dimensions.
“I know she is trying to make me nervous, and she is, but so am I. The fact that the court is more equal is a great initiative, but the one-serve rule benefits me. Serving is my strong point.”
Nick Kyrgios form entering Battle of the Sexes
13:48 , Jack RathbornNick Kyrgios has been hampered by injuries in 2025, playing just five matches, with his most recent action in Miami in March:
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami: R64 v Khachanov - lost 6-7, 0-6
- ATP Masters 1000 Miami: R128 v McDonald - won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
- ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells: R128 v Van de Zandschulp - lost retired 6-7, 0-3)
- Australian Open 2025: R128 v Fearnley - lost 6-7, 3-6, 6-7
- ATP 250 Brisbane: R32 v Mpetshi Perricard - lost 6-7, 7-6, 6-7
Emma Raducanu shares doubt over Kyrgios v Sabalenka in controversial Battle of the Sexes
13:36 , Jack RathbornEmma Raducanu has questioned whether Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will try their hardest during their controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition.
“I want to see if they both go flat out,” Raducanu said. “But it will be interesting.
“I don’t think I’ll watch it all live, but I think I’ll watch some highlights or a recap of it.”
Emma Raducanu shares doubt over controversial Kyrgios v Sabalenka match
Nick Kyrgios admits he is ‘nervous’ to face Aryna Sabalenka
13:24 , Jack Rathborn“Both of us have played in grand stadiums all over the world,” Kyrgios said. “She is a Grand Slam champion, I have played incredible matches, but I would be lying if I said I’m not a bit nervous.
“I can’t wait to step on the court. I know the whole world will be watching us. Aryna has tried to distract me with the nightlife here, but I remain focused.
“Having the chance to face a great champion like Aryna is a challenge, it’s something different, but at the same time, sports and entertainment are the same. If you look at all the buzz this event has created… It all started with a ‘What if…?’
Aryna Sabalenka ready for ‘unpredictable’ Nick Kyrgios
13:12 , Jack Rathborn“I’m really excited,” said Sabalenka. “Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love.
“I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Five previous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ style showdowns in tennis
13:00 , Jack Rathborn- 1973: Bobby Riggs bt Margaret Court (6-2, 6-1)
- 1973: Billie Jean King bt Bobby Riggs (6-4, 6-3, 6-3)
- 1992: Jimmy Connors bt Martina Navratilova (7-5, 6-2)
- 1998: Karsten Braasch bt Venus and Serena Williams - Braash won 6-1 against Serena, before beating Venus 6-2 in separate sets
- 2003: Yannick Noah bt Justine Henin (4-6, 6-4, 7-6)
Sabalenka: 'Kyrgios in a lose-lose situation, I'm in a win-win situation'
12:50 , Jack Rathborn"It's not going to be an easy match for Nick," Sabalenka said.
"I'm going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment.
"He's in a lose-lose situation. I'm in a win-win situation."
Kyrgios and Sabalenka face off at Battle of the Sexes press conference
12:40 , Jack Rathborn
Sabalenka: 'Battle of the Sexes' will not damage women's sport
12:30 , Jack Rathborn"I don't agree [that it will damage women’s sport],” Sabalenka told BBC Sport. "I am not putting myself at any risk. We're there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins.
“It's so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it's not about that.
"This event is only going to help bring women's tennis to a higher level."
Billie Jean King gives verdict on ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash
12:20 , Jack RathbornLegendary tennis star Billie Jean King says the upcoming ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka is ‘just not the same’ as the battle she underwent with Bobby Riggs during the 1970s.
"The only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That's it,” the now 82-year-old told BBC Sport.
“Everything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one is not. I hope it's a great match - I want Sabalenka, obviously, to win - but it's just not the same.
“Mine was really political. It was rough, culturally, what was coming in with it. I knew I had to beat him for societal change. I had a lot of reasons to win."
Defiant Kyrgios on Sabalenka test in Battle of the Sexes
12:10 , Jack Rathborn“Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said a few months ago. “I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she’s going to win.
“She [Sabalenka] is not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent? I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe.
“I’m not going to go there and say, ‘Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play this.’ That would make me look so bad. I’d imagine the internet would go crazy — go bananas.
“I mean, our serves, women can’t really return those,” Kyrgios also claimed. “And then we can just chip and drop shot. I think I’m going to be okay. I’m going to go there, and I don’t want her to win. That’s for sure.”
Nick Kyrgios confirmed for ATP Tour return after Battle of the Sexes exhibition
12:00 , Jack RathbornNick Kyrgios has been given a wildcard for next month’s Brisbane International, marking the first time he will appear on the ATP Tour in 10 months.
The Australian has struggled with injury and fitness issues over the last three years, with his ranking dropping to 673 in the world, but the 30-year-old is slated in for the ATP 250 event in Brisbane and the Kooyong Classic exhibition in Melbourne, a week prior to the Australian Open.
However, Kyrgios is relying on a wildcard to feature at the first Grand Slam of the season at Melbourne Park, as he no longer has a protected ranking.
Nick Kyrgios v Aryna Sabalenka rules
08:54 , Jack RathbornThe ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis exhibition between women’s No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will take place using a modified court and with a single-serve limit.
The organisers of the event, the Evolve agency which represents both players, confirmed that the side of the court Sabalenka will defend will be nine per cent smaller than standard.
Here’s a rundown on the full set of modified rules for the controversial exhibition:
Kyrgios v Sabalenka rules: ‘Battle of Sexes’ to use modified court and serve limit
Battle of the Sexes is the sequel no one wanted. Why is the BBC indulging such an ugly spectacle?
08:52 , Flo CliffordThe tennis season may be over but silly season is in full swing, and the last match of 2025 is likely to be its worst, writes Flo Clifford.
Sunday will stage the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, an exhibition – in all senses of the word – between the women’s world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and part-time tennis player, full-time attention seeker Nick Kyrgios.
Kyrgios and Sabalenka’s abominable Battle of the Sexes is the sequel no one wanted
