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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.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 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 recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later.

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

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

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

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "But I've never shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

At this stage, specifics about the format of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.