Speaking about the upcoming Battle of the Sexes-style exhibition between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka, Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou said the concept was originally his and suggested it was taken without his involvement.
More importantly, he explained why he believes the idea remains compelling, despite criticism about fairness, history, and gender comparisons in modern sport.
Event Format and Rule Changes for the Nick Kyrgios-Aryna Sabalenka Exhibition
The exhibition is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena. It is a standalone event with no ATP or WTA affiliation and no ranking points at stake. Organizers have introduced modified rules, including a single serve per point and court-size adjustments, designed to reduce Kyrgios’ serving advantage and extend rallies.
Sabalenka arrives as the reigning World No. 1 and one of the hardest hitters in the women’s game. At the same time, Kyrgios brings box-office appeal, improvisation, and a flair for spectacle despite limited competitive play in recent seasons. The match has been promoted as a modern echo of the iconic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, a comparison that has fueled both curiosity and discomfort.
Why Does Patrick Mouratoglou Feel Personally Invested in This Exhibition?
That tension is precisely what Mouratoglou addressed during a recent appearance on the Off Court with Greg podcast, making it clear he sees the concept as far from new, yet deeply personal.
“I cannot say I’m not convinced, because it’s not the Battle of the Sexes,” he said. “It has existed for 50 years. We all know the story. But bringing it back was my idea. I pitched it to the guys who kind of stole it, so it’s fine this time. They’d better not do it again.”
He acknowledged the tension at the heart of the idea, calling it both fascinating and frustrating. “I think it’s very interesting because it has always been a question. In one way it’s interesting, and in another it’s not. It’s interesting because everyone wonders about the level of women compared to men, but it’s not really a question because we all know the answer.”
Mouratoglou was blunt about biological realities, saying, “This was all my idea. I told them what I wanted to do, and they did it. What’s the idea? We know men are stronger, faster, and jump higher than women. You see it across all athletics. It’s not a question. That’s how it is.”
For him, the intrigue is in removing physical differences altogether. He believes that once any physical advantage is eliminated, the contest becomes purely a test of mental strength and tactics, which is where it truly gets interesting.
