Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios: BBC to Air High-Stakes ‘Battle of the Sexes’ on December 28
Mark your calendars for December 28, because tennis is serving up something we don’t see every day - a true showdown of styles, power, and personality. Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are set to face off in an exhibition dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes,” and the BBC will broadcast it live from Dubai on BBC One.
This isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a matchup between two of the sport’s most compelling figures, each bringing a unique brand of tennis to the court.
Sabalenka, the current world No. 1 and a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, has been nothing short of dominant over the past two seasons. With two Australian Open and two US Open titles under her belt, the 27-year-old Belarusian has established herself as the force to beat on the WTA Tour.
On the other side of the net, you’ve got Nick Kyrgios - the enigmatic Australian who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and has always had the talent to challenge the best. But 2025 has been a frustrating year for Kyrgios, with injuries limiting him to just five matches. Still, when Kyrgios steps on the court, you never quite know what you’re going to get - and that’s part of the allure.
The match format is designed to keep things tight and competitive. It’ll be played over three sets, with a 10-point tiebreaker if it goes the distance.
But that’s not all - the court itself will be modified to account for physical differences between the men’s and women’s games. According to data cited by event organizers Evolve, female players move about 9% slower on average than male players.
To level the playing field, Sabalenka’s side of the court will be reduced in width by 9%. That adjustment, combined with a one-serve-per-point rule for both players, is intended to emphasize skill and strategy over sheer athleticism.
It’s a bold concept, but it’s not without precedent. Tennis has a history of high-profile gender matchups dating back to Billie Jean King's iconic win over Bobby Riggs in 1973.
This modern iteration brings a new twist - not just in format, but in the personalities involved. Sabalenka plays with raw power and relentless intensity.
Kyrgios? He’s all about flair, unpredictability, and shot-making that defies convention.
The broadcast kicks off at 15:45 GMT, with Clare Balding hosting and Andrew Cotter on commentary - a pairing that should bring plenty of insight and energy to the coverage.
So whether you’re tuning in for the tennis, the tactics, or just the spectacle, this one’s worth watching. Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios isn’t just a battle of the sexes - it’s a battle of tennis philosophies, competitive fire, and two of the sport’s most watchable stars.