A new chapter in tennis history is about to be written. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, will face Nick Kyrgios in a 2025 Battle of the Sexes, echoing a legendary match from half a century ago.
In 1973, Billie Jean King silenced doubters and captivated the world with her victory over Bobby Riggs. That contest wasn’t just about tennis; it was a cultural moment, a stand for equality. Sabalenka now steps onto the court, aiming to honor that legacy and forge her own.
The very idea of pitting the world’s top female player against a male competitor is inherently compelling. Opportunities for such direct comparisons at the elite level are vanishingly rare, making this match a singular event in the sporting calendar.
However, this revival isn’t without its critics. Some view the exhibition as a spectacle prioritizing profit over principle, potentially undermining the progress women have made in the sport. Concerns linger that the match could reinforce harmful stereotypes and invite negativity towards women’s tennis.
Sabalenka fiercely defends her participation, believing it will elevate the profile of women’s tennis. She acknowledges the physical differences but insists the event is about showcasing skill and having fun, not proving dominance. “It’s only going to help bring women’s tennis to a higher level,” she stated.
Kyrgios shares the sentiment, describing the contest as “pretty special” and a welcome departure from the usual Grand Slam circuit. He believes it will offer fans something different, a dose of “razzmatazz” that tennis sometimes lacks.
To level the playing field, organizers have implemented modifications. Sabalenka’s side of the court is slightly smaller, and both players are limited to a single serve. These adjustments aim to emphasize accuracy and strategy, mitigating the inherent power advantage often associated with male players.
Sabalenka admits a standard match would be a significant challenge. “Physically they’re much stronger, speed, the power of the balls, everything is much stronger,” she explained. The modified rules offer a more competitive environment, a chance to truly test her abilities.
The original 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” was a watershed moment. King, then 29 and at the peak of her career, defeated Riggs, a 55-year-old former champion, in straight sets. The match, played before a captivated audience of 30,000, carried a weight far beyond the $100,000 prize money.
Riggs, known for his flamboyant personality and self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” persona, underestimated King’s skill and determination. She dominated the match, dictating play and forcing Riggs to cover the court relentlessly.
Billie Jean King herself views today’s contest with skepticism. While acknowledging the shared gender dynamic, she emphasizes the fundamentally different motivations. Her 1973 victory was about social change, a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights. This match, she believes, lacks that same profound purpose.
The contest is scheduled for December 28th at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, beginning at 3:45 PM GMT. Viewers in the UK can watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Clare Balding hosting and Andrew Cotter providing commentary.
The match will be best of three sets, with a ten-point tie-breaker deciding the outcome if necessary. The single-serve rule and the adjusted court dimensions promise a unique and compelling contest, a modern echo of a historic rivalry.
