Three-set match will feature modified court and serving rules
BBC Sport will air Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios’ “Battle Of The Sexes” tennis match later this month.
Taking place on 28 December, the three-set match will feature a modified court, with Sabalenka’s side 9% smaller than Kyrgios’, after data showed female players move about 9% slower on average than their male counterparts. In addition, there will be no second serves, and if it is equal at the end of a set, there will be a 10-point tie break.
The event has been organised by Evolve, which manages both players, and will take place in Dubai. It is modelled after the famous match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won, in 1973.
The BBC’s coverage will begin at 3:45pm on BBC1, hosted by Clare Balding with commentary from Andrew Cotter.
Kyrgios said when the match was announced, “When the world No 1 challenges you, you answer the call. I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion,” said Kyrgios, who shares an agent with Sabalenka.
“But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play, I’m here to entertain. This is what I live for.”
Sabalenka said: “I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.”
She added: “I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” Sabalenka said. “I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.”
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