Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to take part in a Battle of the Sexes exhibition against Nick Kyrgios has sparked debate. Some critics argue that a heavy defeat for the world number one could fuel negative narratives about women’s tennis, especially given Kyrgios’ limited playing schedule in recent years.
Modified rules for the match
The exhibition, scheduled for Sunday in Dubai, will not follow standard tennis rules. Sabalenka’s side of the court will be nine percent smaller in both length and width compared to Kyrgios’. Each player will be allowed only one serve, and if the contest reaches a third set, it will be decided by a match tie-break.
Petchey’s perspective
Mark Petchey, who coached Emma Raducanu between March and July, dismissed concerns that the match could harm the sport. Writing on X, he said: “The Battle of Sexes won’t do any damage to tennis. The Battle of the Sexes is also pointless in its current format. But if non-tennis fans watch and get involved in watching/playing tennis because of it, then it did the only thing it can.”
Petchey’s comments suggest that the exhibition should be viewed as entertainment rather than a serious reflection of the state of women’s tennis. While Sabalenka remains the dominant force in the women’s game after holding the number one ranking throughout 2025, the match is designed to attract attention and potentially bring new audiences to the sport.
The Battle of Sexes won’t do any damage to tennis.
The Battle of the Sexes is also pointless in its current format.
But if non-tennis fans watch and get involved in watching/playing tennis because of it, then it did the only thing it can.
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) December 23, 2025
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
LWWWWLWWWW Now ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 8th of November when she surrendered to world no.5 Elena Rybakina 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Belarussian has achieved a 63-12 win-loss record. Sabalenka has won 4 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami, Madrid and U.S. Open. Aryna got to the final at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart, French Open and Riyadh.
Emma Raducanu in 2025
Currently ranked no.29, Raducanu played her last match on the 14th of October when she was defeated by world no.168 Lin Zhu 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the 1st round in Ningbo (draw).
Until now, during this year the Brit owns a 28-22 win-loss record. Emma Raducanu’s most significant accomplishment of this season was getting to the semifinal in Washington.
Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Raducanu clashed against each other 3 times. Their current record is 3-0 for Sabalenka.
