Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios: Battle of the Sexes Returns in Dubai
Women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Australian tennis star and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a special exhibition match in Dubai on 28 December 2025. The event aims to revive the legendary “Battle of the Sexes,” originally made famous by Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs over half a century ago.
Event Overview
The exhibition, set to take place at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, is being organized by both players’ management agency, Evolve. It marks the first mixed-gender display of this kind in more than thirty years and is expected to draw global attention.
Historic Inspiration
The 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” saw tennis icon Billie Jean King triumph over Bobby Riggs before an audience of nearly 90 million viewers. That match became a landmark moment in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Players’ Preparation and Statements
Sabalenka, 27, comes into the match on a stellar run, having secured back-to-back US Open titles and a Madrid Open victory earlier this year.
Kyrgios, 30, once a Wimbledon finalist, is currently ranked 650 due to an 18-month wrist injury that sidelined him for much of the season. Despite limited match play, he remains one of tennis’s most charismatic and unpredictable figures.
“I’m ready to bring my A-game,” said Sabalenka.
Kyrgios promised to “entertain” fans in this modern reimagining of tennis’s most famous gender showdown.
Format Details
Although the exact match format has not yet been finalized, organizers are reportedly considering unique elements, such as service restrictions and potential court adjustments, to ensure an exciting and balanced contest.
Author’s Summary
The Dubai showdown between Sabalenka and Kyrgios revives a legendary sporting rivalry, blending talent, showmanship, and the enduring spirit of equality that tennis first showcased in 1973.