Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are due to face off in a highly-publicised exhibition match on December 28, a contest organisers have framed as a modern-day nod to the iconic 1973 \u2018Battles of the Sexes.\u2019<\/p>\n
The event, which will be held at the Coca-Cola Arena, has already generated intense discussion across the sporting world, with players, legends, and commentators divided on whether the clash will celebrate \u2013 or retract \u2013 progress.<\/p>\n
The original \u2018Battle of the Sexes\u2019 saw Billie Jean King prevail 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 over the 55-year-old Bobby Riggs, a victory which proved to be a major step forward for women\u2019s tennis.<\/p>\n
More than half a century on, comparisons to that encounter have been met with much scepticism.<\/p>\n
Aryna Sabalenka<\/p>\n
Sabalenka<\/a> enters the exhibition at the peak of her powers, having finished the season as the US Open champion and the year-end No 1.<\/p>\n The Belarusian dismissed concerns over the potential negative symbolism of such an event.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not putting myself at any risk,\u201d she stated to BBC Sport.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it\u2019s not about that.<\/p>\n \u201cThis event is only going to help bring women\u2019s tennis to a higher level.\u201d<\/p>\n The Belarusian believes that, despite any biological differences, she has a realistic chance of beating Kyrgios during the Dubai showdown \u2013 with little pressure on her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be an easy match for Nick,\u201d Sabalenka later surmised.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s in a lose-lose situation. I\u2019m in a win-win situation.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick Kyrgios<\/p>\n If Sabalenka is the embodiment of consistency, Kyrgios is the exact antithesis of exactly that \u2013 especially in 2025.<\/p>\n The unpredictable showman played just five singles matches this season, last being seen during his second-round match against Karen Khachanov at the Miami Open.<\/p>\n Kyrgios has struggled with wrist issues for over 24 months, despite undergoing reconstructive wrist surgery in late 2023.<\/p>\n \u201cBy the way, all the negative comments towards the Battle of the Sexes are doing nothing but giving it more attention,\u201d he argued on an Instagram post.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of the day, Aryna will go down as one of the greatest players to play this game.<\/p>\n \u201cI will have entertained crowds around the world. We are 2 humans who are good friends who want to put on a show and get more eyes on tennis.<\/p>\n \u201cSit back and enjoy the show. We both love the challenge and are going into this with no real experience. No one cares what you have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2022 Wimbledon champion is currently ranked as the world No 672.<\/p>\n Billie Jean King<\/p>\n Whilst King\u2019s 1973 victory over Riggs went well beyond tennis, the American argued that the context could not be more different.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That\u2019s it,\u201d she told BBC Sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one is not.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope it\u2019s a great match \u2013 I want Sabalenka, obviously, to win \u2013 but it\u2019s just not the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Garbine Muguruza<\/p>\n Former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Muguruza, who retired in April 2024, echoed a similar sentiment to that of the American.<\/p>\n \u201cA guy who is ranked 1,000 in the world or doesn\u2019t even have a ranking could be far superior to a top-10 player on the WTA circuit,\u201d Muguruza said to Spanish outlet Cope.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was at my best level, being world No 1, I wouldn\u2019t have even beaten a junior.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s more of a show \u2014 it has nothing to do with the Battle of the Sexes, with what Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs meant. That was incredible.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is entertainment. I think they\u2019ll play seriously, but the idea is for it to be a show and for the fans to have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n Latest Tennis News<\/p>\n Jannik Sinner claims a big award as his big rival Carlos Alcaraz is snubbed again<\/a><\/p>\n