Date, start time, how to watch for FREE and rules

WOMEN’S world No1 Aryna Sabalenka faces former men’s Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster exhibition match.

The clash dubbed ‘Battle of the Sexes‘ sees the two stars do battle in Dubai on December 28.

This highly-anticipated clash will be the fourth time a man has faced a woman on the tennis court after Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court then lost to Billie Jean King in 1973.

Then in 1992, Jimmy Connors saw off Martina Navratilova.

Sabalenka is a four-time Grand Slam champion, while Kyrgios has dropped to 652nd in the world due to injury and has not played a professional tie since March.

When is Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match?

• The match takes place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, December 28.
• It is set to begin at 3.45pm GMT.

‘MY SUNSHINE’

Anna Kournikova becomes mum again aged 44 as she gives birth to fourth child

FIX SHOCK

Tennis star slapped with 12-year ban and fine for role in match-fixing spree

How can I watch Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match for FREE?

• The match is being broadcast by the BBC, meaning fans can tune in for FREE.
• It will be shown live on BBC One and there is also a stream on the iPlayer.
• Alternatively, don’t miss a point with SunSport‘s LIVE blog.

What are the rules of Aryna Sabalenka vs Nick Kyrgios in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match?

• It will be a best of three sets match, with a ten-point tiebreak if a decider is needed.
• Sabalenka’s side of the court will be nine per cent smaller than normal as chiefs claim female players are nine per cent slower than men.
• Both players will also only have one serve instead of two.
• The match is an exhibition with no ranking points on the line.

What has been said?

Outspoken Kyrgios hit back at critics who claim the match is not good for the sport.

He wrote online: “By the way all the negative comments towards the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ are doing nothing but giving it more attention.

“At the end of the day, Aryna will go down as one of the greatest players to play this game. I will have entertained crowds around the world.

“We are two humans that are good friends who want to put on a show and get more eyes on tennis.

“Not all this other BS – does this not look like tennis is going in the right direction?

“Sit back and enjoy the show. We both love the challenge and are going into this with no real experience. No one cares what you have to say.”