Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios: Change to tennis court explained | Tennis | Sport

Women’s world No1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match labelled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ on Sunday. 

Sabalenka has had a successful season, winning four titles, including the US Open. She also reached the final of five other tournaments. Kyrgios, meanwhile, is completing his comeback from a series of injuries that have blighted his career since making the Wimbledon final in 2022.

The match is being played in Dubai, in the 17,000 Coca-Cola Arena. It will be available to watch in the UK with it being shown live on BBC and iplayer from 3.45pm.

There will, however, be some subtle changes to the rules of the match to try and bridge the physiological differences between men and women. Here’s a look at those modifications.

Court changes 

Organisers Evolve claim that data shows that women players move around the court around 9% slower than men. Sabalenka’s side of the court will therefore, be 9% smaller than Kyrgios’ side.

The length of Sabalenka’s side will be a total of 35.5ft and the width 24.6ft, compared to the 39ft and 27 ft of Kyrgios’ side.

The service box will also be 19.1ft long and 12.3ft wide, compared to 21 ft and 13.5ft.

Serve adaptation

Instead of the normal two serves, both players are only allowed one serve. This is to restrict the advantage Kyrgios would get from the greater power and speed of his first serve.

Scoring 

Scoring for the match will be as normal, but it will be played over three sets. If the scores are level after the first two, then the third set will be played as a 10-point tie-breaker.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the game, Sabalenka explained her excitement for the match, and how it will help her career. “This event is really unpredictable, and I don’t know what to expect,” she said.

“That’s what I love because this is the feeling you chase when you play sport, these unpredictable situations, and I love to challenge myself. For me, it’s a huge challenge, especially playing Nick, the guy who’s unpredictable and crazy.

“That’s great training for me and that’s a great message to the girls out there. I hope they’re going to watch, and they’re going to see how strong and tough I am to have the guts to challenge myself to play against the guy.”

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