Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka to Face Off in Historic UTS ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match

JAKARTA, July 9, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move for professional tennis, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are set to headline a first-ever “Battle of the Sexes” match under the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) banner this October in Hong Kong.

The exhibition match, still in advanced planning stages, will feature the ATP and WTA stars in a one-on-one contest using UTS’s signature fast-paced, modified format. Designed to blend high-level competition with entertainment, the event marks a bold step in merging athletic performance with fan-driven spectacle.

Kyrgios, known for his flair, unpredictability, and big-serving style, will take on Sabalenka, the WTA World No. 1, recognized for her powerful baseline play and fierce intensity on court.

“This will be a one-of-a-kind tennis experience,” a UTS spokesperson stated.

“It’s not just about who wins — it’s about reimagining what tennis can be.”

UTS format and innovation

Unlike traditional tennis matches, UTS competitions are built around short timed quarters, bonus point zones, and limited second serves, aimed at increasing the pace and excitement of play. The format is particularly popular among younger audiences and digital viewers, with matches designed for quick consumption and global sharing.

To ensure fairness in the mixed-gender contest, organizers are considering balancing adjustments, such as serve limitations or adjusted scoring, though final rules have yet to be confirmed.

High stakes for modern tennis

The Kyrgios–Sabalenka match is expected to generate significant global interest, not just for its novelty, but also for its potential to challenge perceptions about gender dynamics in elite-level tennis.

While mixed doubles are common in Grand Slam events, a singles face-off between top-ranked male and female players is a rarity. The match draws comparisons to the iconic 1973 clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, though with a modern twist and a format tailored to a new generation of fans.

Both Kyrgios and Sabalenka have expressed enthusiasm for the matchup, seeing it as both a personal challenge and a chance to promote tennis in a fresh, inclusive light.

What’s next

Details including official confirmation, match rules, and ticketing information are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. If finalized, the event could become one of the most widely watched exhibition matches of 2025.

With innovation at its core, the UTS “Battle of the Sexes” may well become a turning point for how tennis is presented — and perceived — in the future.