New Delhi: Aryna Sabalenka has no doubts about her upcoming relationship upcoming exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios. The women’s World No.1 believes the much-talked-about “Battle of the Sexes” clash will add value to tennis not to take anything away from the women’s game.
Sabalenka is set to face the Australian in an exhibition match in Dubai on December 28 with the event scheduled to be broadcast live on the BBC. While some fans see it as a fun, one-off spectacle between two big personalities, others worry the outcome could unfairly reflect on women’s tennis if Sabalenka were to lose.
However, the Belarusian is clear in her stance. She has dismissed concerns that the match could be damaging women’s sport and insisted the focus is on entertainment and not comparison.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sabalenka made it clear that she is comfortable with the narrative surrounding the event. She acknowledged the obvious physical differences between men and women but stressed that the exhibition is not about proving superiority, rather it’s about getting more eyeballs.
For her, the match is about visibility and excitement. The four-time Grand Slam champion believes events like this can help draw new fans to women’s tennis and not undermining it. Sabalenka also made it clear that she plans to compete seriously and even said that the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up is under more pressure than she is.
Sabalenka arrives in Dubai after another standout performance on the WTA Tour. The 27-year-old capped her season by winning US Open in September, claiming her fourth Slam. Over the past 18 months, she has been one of the most dominant players in women’s tennis, well known for her power game and aggressive mindset.
Modified format to level contest
Organisers have made several adjustments to ensure the match is competitive. The exhibition will be played as a best-of-three sets contest with a 10-point tie-break deciding the match if needed.
Not just that, the court dimensions have also been altered with Sabalenka’s side of the court being slightly smaller, based on data showing women move more slowly on average than men. In addition, both players will be limited to a single serve to reduce Kyrgios’ advantage of his biggest weapon.
Despite the changes, Sabalenka remains confident. She has one of the fastest serves in the women’s game and ranks among the top players for service games won this season. She has also worked on adding variety to her game, including coming to the net more often and using drop shots to disrupt opponents.
Kyrgios’ return to spotlight
For Kyrgios, the exhibition offers a different kind of opportunity as the Australian has played just five professional matches in 2025 as he continues his comeback from a wrist injury that once threatened to end his career. He is currently ranked 672nd in the world and sees these exhibitions as a way to build momentum ahead of a planned return to the ATP Tour in 2026.
Kyrgios’s suitability as the male protagonist has also raised eyebrows, considering his self-proclaimed misogynist identity. He addressed the critics take surrounding his involvement in past controversies and comments. The former World No. 13 said he is a different person now and added, “I’m not going to sit here and say I’m an amazing role model, but I’ve grown and I’m definitely more mature now.”
He admitted that he has given a thought to the possibility that after the match he might become the poster boy of misogynists if he beats Sabalenka but he is not thinking about the same and focusing on the thing he is best at- hitting the ball over a net and giving people a show. Just like Sabelenka, he insists the match is about entertainment and respect and not about rivalry rooted in gender.
Why match divides opinion?
The concept inevitably draws comparisons with the iconic 1973 clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, a moment that played a major role in advancing gender equality in sports. The critics are arguing that decades later women’s tennis no longer needs such exhibitions to prove their worth.
However, the supporters believe Sabalenka vs Kyrgios is a modern take on the idea designed for a new audience raised on social media and spectacle.
Well whether Sabalenka vs Kyrgios is a bold step forward for tennis or a risky throwback only time will tell but one thing is clear that tennis will once again test how far the sport can push tradition in the name of entertainment.