The countdown is officially on. With just 10 days to go until World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka faces tennis showman Nick Kyrgios in Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown, anticipation across the tennis world is reaching fever pitch.
Taking place on 28 December 2025 at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena, TLive’s debut Middle East event promises a night where elite sport meets electric entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know – and how to purchase your tickets to this momentous sporting event:
Match Rules
Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown will follow an innovative mixed-gender concept that focuses on strategy and skill rather than raw power and is inspired by standard professional tennis rules to ensure competitiveness and entertainment:
- Matches are played in a best-of-three format, with traditional scoring for Sets 1 & 2 and a 10-point match tie-break deciding Set 3 if needed.
- The innovative “Equaliser Court,” which is 9% smaller than a standard tennis court, is designed to shift the emphasis toward precision, anticipation and tactical play creating a more competitive playing field.
- Players receive one serve per point, standard let rulings, and timed 60-second breaks, ensuring fast-paced, uninterrupted action.
For the full, detailed breakdown of the rules, please refer to the additional document attached to this email.
All the Off-Court Action
This isn’t only a match – it’s a full-scale night out in Dubai. The Coca-Cola Arena will welcome a vibrant programme of entertainment designed to keep fans immersed from start to finish. Alongside the headline match, the evening will feature sets from DJ Bliss, interactive fan moments that test your tennis talent, and curated on-court entertainment that amplifies the energy inside the arena. And all this action will be fuelled by plenty of food and beverage options located throughout the arena.
As the home of world-class concerts, sports spectacles, and global entertainment, the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena offers the perfect stage for this historic showdown. Located in the heart of City Walk – just minutes from Dubai International Airport and a short walk from the metro – the arena delivers state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting, and an unparalleled fan experience.
More Fan Engagement Opportunities
Due to overwhelming demand and a sell-out of VIP packages, two new additional Meet & Greet opportunities have been created to give more fans access to highly sought-after experiences. These new packages offer expanded ways to get closer to the stars of Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown:
- The Master Access – Meet & Greet: A two-day premium experience featuring an intimate one-on-one meet & greet at Atlantis The Royal and court-level seating with VIP lounge access at the Coca-Cola Arena.
- The Master Access – Tennis Clinic: A one-day group clinic led by Aryna Sabalenka or Nick Kyrgios at Atlantis The Royal, followed by court-level seating and VIP lounge access for the evening showdown.
The Athletes Speak: Final Word Before the Showdown
Aryna Sabalenka
“Dubai always brings incredible energy and I can’t wait to step into the arena and connect with the fans. This match is something totally different, and I’m excited to test myself in a new mixed-gender format. Fans can expect an intense match and a lot of fun — I’m coming to win. Nick better be ready.” said World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Nick Kyrgios
“I’m all in for putting on a massive night of tennis and entertainment. Sabalenka hits the ball harder than half the guys on tour, and with the court dimensions changed, this becomes a battle of instinct over athleticism. I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I don’t intend to start now.” said Nick Kyrgios.
More history in the making
Over half a century after Billie Jean King triumphantly defeated Bobby Riggs in the historic 1973 Battle of the Sexes, the spirit of that transformative match takes center stage once again – this time in Dubai.
This new era reinterpretation brings together two of tennis’s most charismatic and compelling competitors, celebrating not only athletic excellence but also the cultural legacy and evolving conversation surrounding gender, competition, and entertainment.
“TLive is thrilled to bring this modern take on Battle of the Sexes to fans in Dubai, one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Mark McFarlane, Managing Director, TLive. “It’s a night designed to thrill, unite and create a moment fans will remember long after the final point.”
Final Call: Tickets
With a limited number of tickets remaining, get yours at www.coca-cola-arena.com before they’re gone.
Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown, Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios is proud to have IM8 as a co-founding partner, supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, Dubai Calendar, World Sports Summit, Anthelios, Atlantis The Royal, Anax Properties, Kpro, JET366, Emirates NBD, and is promoted by TLive.
