A highly anticipated 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis exhibition is set to take place in Dubai this weekend, pitting the formidable power of women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka against the mercurial talent of Australia's Nick Kyrgios. In a bid to create a more balanced and intriguing contest, organisers have confirmed the match will be played under a unique set of modified rules designed to level the playing field.
Innovative Rule Changes Aim to Balance the Contest
The most significant alterations involve the court dimensions and the serve. Aryna Sabalenka will defend a court side that is nine per cent smaller than the standard singles court, a change intended to mitigate the average movement-speed differences between male and female athletes. Furthermore, in a dramatic shift from traditional tennis, both competitors will be limited to just one serve per point. This rule is specifically aimed at neutralising the considerable power advantage held by Kyrgios, particularly on his first serve, and is expected to produce longer, more strategic rallies.
Match Format and How to Watch
The exhibition clash will be contested as a best-of-three sets encounter, with a match tiebreak to decide the outcome if required. The action gets underway at 3.45pm GMT on Sunday, offering a prime-time spectacle for sports fans. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the entire match will be broadcast live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer streaming service, ensuring widespread access to this novel sporting event.
A Modern Take on a Historic Concept
This match revives the famous 'Battle of the Sexes' concept, most iconously embodied by Billie Jean King's victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973. However, the 2025 edition in Dubai introduces a modern, data-driven approach to creating competitive balance. By adjusting the court size and limiting serves, the event moves beyond mere spectacle to become a genuine tactical experiment. It poses fascinating questions about power, speed, and adaptability in modern tennis, offering a unique showcase for two of the sport's biggest personalities in Sabalenka and Kyrgios.
