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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known 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 exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he said. "However 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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

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

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience 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 defeated 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 provoke gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

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

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

At this point, details about the format of the match are still limited – although serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.