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Rules Set and Pressure Mounts for Sabalenka–Kyrgios 'Battle of the Sexes' in Dubai

Organizers are adopting modified conditions to level the exhibition.

Overview

  • Set for December 28 at Dubai’s Coca‑Cola Arena, the exhibition pairs world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
  • Reported format adjustments include two sets with a first‑to‑10 tiebreak if split, a single serve per point, and a court roughly 9–10% smaller on Sabalenka’s side.
  • Kyrgios told AAP he feels pressure representing the men’s game yet remains confident and says he will show Sabalenka full respect.
  • Kyrgios is ranked No. 652 after wrist and knee injuries, with only six tour‑level matches played in the past three years.
  • Sabalenka has framed the match as a responsibility to women’s tennis and a “win‑win” for her, and she has said she hopes to have Novak Djokovic in her box, which has not been independently confirmed.