Overview
- Women’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces Nick Kyrgios on Sunday, Dec. 28, at Dubai’s Coca‑Cola Arena, with BBC One coverage from 3:45pm and a 4pm UK start, also on iPlayer.
- The best‑of‑three exhibition uses bespoke rules: one serve per point for both players, a roughly 9% smaller court on Sabalenka’s side, and a 10‑point match tiebreak if required.
- The event is not sanctioned by the ATP or WTA and offers no ranking points, and it has been organised by Evolve, the agency representing both players.
- Sabalenka called the matchup “unpredictable” and a challenge she embraces to help grow the sport, while Kyrgios said he wants to win and framed the contest as a collaborative showcase.
- Debate continues over the concept and branding, with figures such as Garbiñe Muguruza, Rennae Stubbs and Greg Rusedski questioning its value and credibility for women’s tennis.