EXPLAINER
Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Nick Kyrgios on Sunday in Dubai, reviving the 1973 mixed singles match.
Who: Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios
What: Exhibition tennis match titled “Battle of the Sexes”
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE
When: Sunday at 7:45 PM (15:45 GMT)
How to follow: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport starting at 1:00 PM GMT for pre-match coverage before our live text commentary.
World’s top-ranked female player Aryna Sabalenka will compete against Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match in Dubai this Sunday.
How Did the Match Come About?
During the US Open in September, Kyrgios challenged Sabalenka, claiming he could easily beat her without even giving his best effort. He asserted that female players struggle to return men’s serves and expressed confidence in defeating the world number one.
Sabalenka’s response was assertive, stating she was ready to “kick a**,” leading to the organization of this weekend’s match by Evolve, the marketing agency that represents both athletes.
What’s the History Behind the ‘Battle of the Sexes’?
The original “Battle of the Sexes” took place in 1973 between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome. King, a 12-time Grand Slam champion, won the match with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, drawing an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide. This victory was a significant moment for women’s sports and solidified King’s status as a prominent sports and feminist icon.
What Are the Rules for the Match?
Sabalenka mentioned on Piers Morgan’s YouTube show that competing against a player of Kyrgios’s caliber using standard rules would be “really tough.” Thus, the match will have several adjustments:
- Players will serve only once instead of twice.
- Sabalenka’s side of the court will be reduced in size by 9% compared to a regular tennis court.
- It will consist of a best-of-three sets format, with a 10-point tiebreak in the final set if necessary.
What Has Sabalenka Said About the Match?
Sabalenka expressed pride in representing women’s tennis in this modern adaptation of the historic match, emphasizing her respect for Kyrgios’s talent and her intention to bring her best form to the contest.
What Has Kyrgios Said About the Match?
Kyrgios confidently stated he would defeat Sabalenka without exerting too much effort, anticipating a scoreline of around 6-2. He noted that he will compete seriously as he aims to represent the men’s side, firmly expressing his intention to win the match.
How to Watch the ‘Battle of the Sexes’
The match will be aired live and free on BBC 1 in the UK and will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. Viewers in other countries can check local listings for availability. Additionally, Al Jazeera will offer live text commentary.
