BBC Commentator Forced to Apologise During Kyrgios vs Sabalenka Match

The commentator on BBC was forced to issue an apology during coverage of the 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka.

An event put on by Evolve agency, who represent both players, saw the world No.1 tennis player lock horns with the former Wimbledon finalist in an exhibition in Dubai on Sunday.

The match, the fourth of its kind in history, took place at the 17,000 capacity at the Coca Cola Arena under modified rules which included a best of three sets, a 10-point deciding tie-break if required, one serve each as opposed to the usual two and Sabalenka's court being nine per cent smaller than Kyrgios'.

The two put on a real show for the fans in attendance, producing plenty of excellent tennis in the unique match-up - where a sweaty Kyrgios won 6-3 6-3 in straight sets.

The spectacle was also shown on BBC but the channel's coverage was heavily interrupted throughout - to the point that the commentator on the broadcast had to issue an apology on more than one occasion.

BBC apology during 'Battle of the Sexes'

Pixelation and sound issues were among the technical difficulties, with the first apology coming when four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka won a point in superb fashion.

"Losing pictures from Dubai at the moment," the commentator said.

"Apologies, we can hear sound, don't know whether you can see pictures at home. All we can hear is a rally going on. We can guess from the crowd and the umpire calls who won the point. Sabalenka, it was a great shot apparently as well."

Later on the camera was panned on to fans in the audience and not the revamped court because of the problems.

The BBC's coverage was plagued by technical issues. Image: BBC

"We can only apologise for a little bit of the break-up of the pictures," the commentator added.

"I say a little bit, I mean a lot."

A message on the screen also apologised to viewers for the "loss of pictures", with the broadcaster later stating, "The pictures are back. Missing a little bit of sound but on we go."

Finally, once the game was wrapped up, the presenter issued more apology for complications with the feed.

Those in attendance for the special attraction match included former footballers Kaka, Ronaldo Nazario and Peter Crouch - with tickets in the upper tier costing upwards of £100 and £600 for courtside benches.

Kyrgios had only competed in five matches in 2025 due to difficulties with a wrist injury, while Sabalenka dominated the women's game with four titles, five other final appearances and victory in 59 of her 71 matches in the season.