India, Dec. 28 -- In a concrete paradise, surrounded by the Arabian desert, stands the glistening Coca-Cola Arena. It is a multi-purpose venue in Dubai that will alter its 'Field of Play' for the demands of the event being organised. On Sunday, the lines of an indoor tennis court will be drawn inside the venue as a city that thrives on consumer culture will witness a tennis spectacle.

The stage is set for women's singles world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka's three-set match against current ATP world No.631 Nick Kyrgios in what has been promoted as the latest instalment of the 'Battle of the Sexes'. Or, just another sports marketing gimmick?

Well, let's go back to 1973.

At a London hotel that June, Billie Jean King the leader and 70 other women ...