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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

Tennis fans have been divided into opposing sides since talk of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she loses to a man who has not been in top form for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this stage, details about the structure of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.