BBC apologise after technical subject scuppers broadcast of Battle of the Sexes match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka – as followers complain about weird tennis court docket

The BBC has been forced to apologise after technical problems interrupted their broadcast of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.

Pictures from the contest in Dubai appeared jittery before they were lost altogether, prompting the BBC to issue an on-screen apology. 

The issue continued into the second set after Kyrgios claimed the first. 

Fans were also quick to criticise the match, which some labelled as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘nonsense’. 

The generational contest pitting Sabalenka against Kyrgios has modified rules. Players have been given only one serve each and the women’s world No 1’s court is nine per cent smaller than her opponent’s.

Data collected by Evolve which claims to find that women move nine per cent slower than men is the reason behind the court, while the one-serve directive is aimed at reducing Kyrgios’ power.

The BBC apologised for a technical glitch during their broadcast of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Fans on social media were quick to criticise the court being used as Aryna Sabalenka’s side is nine per cent smaller than her opponent’s

‘Why is this match is being played? Why is Sabalenka’s court smaller? It’s hardly a fair battle. It looks ridiculous,’ one wrote. 

Another added: ‘But it’s not a level playing field as the female has a smaller court. So it’s not battle of the sexes then is it…’

A third wrote: ‘As expected, this #battleofthesexes tennis match is farcical nonsense. I’m actually embarrassed for the BBC commentary team having to try and make it sound like a legitimately interesting match.’

A fourth added: ‘I was going to watch the #battleofthesexes tennis match but have switched it off. For a true battle it has to be played by the usual rules, not shrinking the court for the female player by 9%. What a waste of time. Still, I suppose the cheque is worth it….’