Mark your calendars: December 28 is shaping up to deliver one of the most intriguing matchups tennis has seen in years. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and reigning force on the WTA Tour, is set to take on Nick Kyrgios in a high-profile "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition match in Dubai - and yes, it’ll be broadcast live on BBC One.
Let’s set the stage. Sabalenka has been nothing short of dominant over the past two seasons.
With two Australian Open titles and two US Open championships to her name, the Belarusian has cemented her place at the top of the women’s game. Her power baseline game, fierce competitiveness, and relentless consistency have made her the player to beat on the WTA Tour.
On the other side of the net? Nick Kyrgios - the mercurial Australian talent who, when healthy and locked in, can go toe-to-toe with anyone on the planet.
He reached the Wimbledon final back in 2022, showcasing his trademark blend of shot-making wizardry and raw athleticism. But 2025 has been a quiet year for Kyrgios, with just five matches under his belt due to a wrist injury that’s kept him sidelined for much of the season.
Now, the two will meet in an exhibition that’s as much about entertainment and innovation as it is about competition. The match will be played in a best-of-three sets format, with a 10-point tie-breaker deciding things if it goes the distance.
But here’s where things get interesting: the court itself will be modified. Organizers Evolve have introduced some creative adjustments based on data suggesting that, on average, female players move about 9% slower than their male counterparts.
To level the playing field, Sabalenka’s side of the court will be reduced in size by 9%. Additionally, both players will be limited to one serve per point - a rule tweak that could significantly impact the rhythm and strategy, especially for Kyrgios, whose serve is one of the most potent weapons in the game.
This isn’t your typical exhibition. It’s a reimagining of tennis norms, a nod to the iconic Billie Jean King vs.
Bobby Riggs match of the 1970s, but with a modern twist and data-driven design. It’s also a rare chance to see two elite competitors from different tours test their skills against each other in a format that encourages creativity, adaptability, and a bit of flair.
Coverage kicks off at 15:45 GMT, with Clare Balding hosting and Andrew Cotter on commentary - a strong broadcast team that knows how to blend insight with entertainment.
Whether you're tuning in for the tennis, the tactics, or just the spectacle of it all, this match promises to deliver something different. Sabalenka and Kyrgios both bring big personalities and big games - and on December 28, they’ll bring it to the same court.