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Sabalenka–Kyrgios Dubai Exhibition Set for Dec. 28 With One-Serve ‘Equaliser Court’ Format

Organisers pitch a sold-out, one-serve 'Equaliser Court' showcase that critics call a gimmick.

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 13, 2025 Australia's Nick Kyrgios gestures during his first round match against Britain's Jacob Fearnley REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo
Women's world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka arrives in Dubai as the dominant force in women's tennis. AFP
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Overview

  • The match at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena remains an exhibition with no impact on rankings, with the BBC holding UK broadcast rights.
  • The bespoke rules include one serve per point, a court nine percent smaller on Sabalenka’s side, best-of-three sets, and a 10-point match tiebreak if needed.
  • Aryna Sabalenka says she treats the event as a real test and declares she is coming to win.
  • Nick Kyrgios expresses confidence yet acknowledges nerves, says few men would accept such a matchup, and has logged only five pro matches in 2025 due to injuries.
  • Former players and commentators, including Greg Rusedski, label the event a gimmick and contrast it with the 1973 Billie Jean King–Bobby Riggs showdown.