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THE DUBAI SHOWDOWN

Sabalenka vs Kyrgios

Dec 28, 2025
Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
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The Legacy Continues

On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in front of 30,000 spectators at the Houston Astrodome and 90 million television viewers worldwide. It was the most-watched tennis match of all time and a watershed moment that transcended sport.

King's victory wasn't just about tennis. It was a defining moment in the women's movement, proving that talent knows no gender. She felt the weight of history on her shoulders, stating that a loss would have set the women's movement back 50 years.

Now, a new generation writes the next chapter. While different in format and spirit, the 2025 Dubai Showdown honors that legacy, bringing together two of tennis's most electrifying talents for an unforgettable night.

Be Part of Tennis History

52 years after Billie Jean King's historic victory captivated 90 million viewers worldwide, the Battle of the Sexes returns to Dubai. Don't miss your opportunity to witness this cultural moment in style.

LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

VVIP Experience

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the champions and enjoy the action from the closest seats in the house. Few remaining spots available.

Courtside Experience

Get closer to every serve, every strike, and every moment with exclusive courtside seats, VIP lounge access, and a red-carpet arrival.

Elevate Deck Experience

Exclusive View. Elevated Comfort. Limited Access. Enjoy the event from a dedicated elevated space with premium seating and a unique vantage point above the court.

⏰Limited VVIP Tickets Available. Book now to avoid dissapointment

Buy VIP Ticket Package Now

The Showdown

Women's World No. 1 vs. Tennis's Most Electric Talent

Aryna Sabalenka

Women's World No. 1

Career Highlights

  • 4× Grand Slam Champion
  • 2× Australian Open Champion (2023, 2024)
  • 2× US Open Champion (2024, 2025)
  • 21 WTA Singles Titles
  • Known for powerful, aggressive baseline game

The dominant force in women's tennis, Sabalenka's powerful serve and aggressive playing style have made her one of the most feared competitors on tour. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has cemented her place among the sport's elite.

Nick Kyrgios

The Showman

Career Highlights

  • Wimbledon Finalist (2022)
  • Australian Open Doubles Champion (2022)
  • Defeated Federer, Nadal & Djokovic in first meetings
  • One of the most powerful serves in tennis
  • Known for electrifying shot-making and creativity

Unpredictable, charismatic, and undeniably talented. Kyrgios brings an entertainment factor unlike any other player. His powerful serve and improvisational genius make every match must-watch television.

Pick Your Side

Who do you want to win?

21
WTA Singles Titles
Career Wins
7
ATP Tour Titles
214km/h
Fastest Serve
Serve Speed
230km/h
Fastest Serve
4
Grand Slam Titles
Grand Slam
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Grand Slam Titles
$45M
WTA Tour
PRIZE MONEY
$12M
ATP Tour
Power
Grand Aggressive baseline, heavy groundstrokes
Style
Flair
Serve-and-volley, trick shots

Sources: WTA and ATP , November 2025

The Trash Talk Begins

Neither player is holding back ahead of the showdown

Aryna Sabalenka

Relentless & Electrifying

I just want to play my best tennis and put him in a very uncomfortable situation, because for him it's lose-lose. I want to force him to go crazy on court

Sabalenka has never been one to back down from a challenge, and her competitive fire is legendary on tour.

Nick Kyrgios

Unpredictable & Explosive

The craziness will be there! Be careful what you wish for. I'm going to go out there and show the world that as good as she is, she's got some weaknesses

Known for his outspoken nature, Kyrgios has never shied away from bold predictions and trash talk.

The Rules

A unique format for a unique event

2

Two Sets

Sets one and two will follow traditional rules

10

Point Tiebreaker

A 10-point tiebreaker to decide the winner if needed

1

Serve

Nick will have one serve, where Aryna will have two

9%

Court Difference

Aryna's court will be 9% smaller in width & depth

This unique format creates an intriguing dynamic that honors the spirit of the original match while creating new strategic elements. Each rule has been carefully designed to ensure the most competitive and entertaining match possible.

The Equaliser

Innovative changes to entertain the audience

ARYNA'S COURT

9% smaller in width & depth

NICKS'S COURT

Standard full size

The Equaliser

An innovative court change has been designed to try a new entertaining mixed gender format. The 9% reduction in court dimensions for Aryna Sabalenka compensates for the speed and power differential. With less ground to cover, her elite reaction time and court positioning become even more valuable, while Nick Kyrigios must adjust his aggressive baseline game to a smaller target area.

Why 9%?

The goal is to rebalance tennis toward skill and strategy over raw power, a concept both players agree enhances competition. While top players like Aryna Sabalenka show power isn't gender-exclusive, extreme serve speeds can shorten rallies. An adjustment, the 9% smaller court, acts as a strategic handicap for powerful servers like Nick Kyrgios. This forces maximum precision, aligns with focus on technique, and ensures a more engaging, skill-based match.

Strategic Impact

Faster

Rallies will be more intense with reduced court space

Precision

Nick must hit tighter angles on a smaller target

Defense

Aryna's court coverage becomes even more effective

"This isn't about handicapping—it's about creating the most competitive, entertaining match possible between two world-class athletes."

Limited Early Bird Tickets Available

Following the lightning-fast pre-sale, which saw prime seats disappear within the first hour, fans are urged to secure their tickets immediately. With limited Early Bird pricing and VIP experiences remaining, a sold-out arena is expected for this historic evening.

Buy Early Bird Ticket

DUBAI

Stunning beaches, record-breaking attractions and world-class experiences, Dubai is the place to be this December. Don’t miss Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown on your itinerary.

Coca-Cola Arena

In the heart of Dubai, this is the city’s premier indoor venue for world-class entertainment. With cutting-edge facilities and a capacity of 17,000, it sets the stage for unforgettable events.

Location
City Walk, Al Wasl - سٹی واک - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Our Partners

Don't Miss History

Only one night. Be part of the moment when two tennis titans collide in the most anticipated exhibition match of the year.

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