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Sabalenka vs. KyrgiosBattle of the Sexes’ Exhibition Starts Today in Dubai

Marketed as a showpiece, the event faces pushback from Billie Jean King for borrowing a title tied to the 1973 fight for equality.

Overview

  • First ball is scheduled for 17:00 with live coverage on SuperTennis.
  • Event-specific rules apply: one serve only for both players, Sabalenka’s half-court is reduced by 9%, and a 10-point match tiebreak replaces a full third set.
  • The Coca-Cola Arena is reported sold out at roughly 17,000 seats, with tickets priced from about €110 to €1,050, and prize money not disclosed.
  • Aryna Sabalenka frames the match as visibility for women’s tennis and valuable training, while Nick Kyrgios, now ranked No. 671 after injury-plagued seasons, treats it as a comeback platform.
  • Commentary highlights that cross-sex exhibitions are rare and notes the players share an agent, as critics including Billie Jean King warn against equating the show with her 1973 landmark match.