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Sabalenka vs. Kyrgios Set for DubaiBattle of the Sexes’ With Custom Rules

Legitimacy faces scrutiny given Kyrgios’s long layoff, with bespoke adjustments meant to narrow the gap.

Overview

  • World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a Sunday exhibition in Dubai, with broadcast plans including ESPN.
  • The format features one serve per point for both players and a 9% reduction of Sabalenka’s court side to offset physical differences.
  • The match will be best of three sets with a 10-point super tie-break if a decider is needed, on hard court at Coca Cola Arena.
  • Kyrgios enters after extended injury troubles and no official matches since March, while Sabalenka arrives off a top-ranked season.
  • Pre-match hype includes sharp exchanges from both players, as figures such as Andrea Petkovic and Boris Becker question the matchup and rule design; organizer Evolve holds commercial rights for both athletes.