Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Tennis UK Start Time

For just the fourth time in tennis history, the controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match will take place in Dubai on Sunday as Nick Kyrgios faces Aryna Sabalenka and the exact UK start time has been confirmed.

The controversial event, which sees a female and male tennis player face off in an exhibition match, was first held in 1973 when Bobby Riggs participated in two separate encounters. The American male faced off with Margaret Court (who he beat 6-1, 6-2, 6-2). Later that same year, Riggs played Billie Jean King and lost (6-4, 6-3, 6-3).

Riggs was 55 years old at the time he stepped onto the court against the 29-year-old five-time Wimbledon winner, but the victory was heralded as a major moment for women in sport and equality in general. It took 19 years for the concept to be revived afterwards, though. Jimmy Connors took on Martina Navratilova in 1992 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with Connors winning 7-5, 6-2.

Tennis’ ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Returns After 33 Years

Former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios and reigning US Open champion Sabalenka will continue the controversial tradition. The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai will play host to a three-set encounter between the pair with a number of unique rules.

Both players will only have one serve each, as opposed to the traditional two. This is designed to limit the natural power advantage possessed by Australia’s Kyrgios. The 30-year-old is known for his powerful serve, having hit the eighth most aces in the history of the men’s game.

Despite organisers making that concession, some observers have criticised the match as a ‘cash-grab’, even though no details of the prize money that the pair are competing for have been made public.

Both players are in very different sorts of form. Since losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, Kyrgios has plummeted to number 671 in the world and has played just five matches in 2025.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka, meanwhile, is at the top of her game. The Belarussian is currently the top ranked female player on the planet.

The UK Exact Start Time For Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka

Given the staggering viewing figures that the event has attracted in the past, Sunday’s match is more about spectacle than the result itself, with millions expected to tune in to watch the action around the world.

There’s great news for those wanting to watch live in the UK, too, as BBC Sport have acquired live rights to show the match.

The 2025 edition of the Battle of the Sexes will get underway at 3:45pm on Sunday. Fans can catch all the action live on BBC One, with a simulcast available on BBC iPlayer.