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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE in December.

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

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

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

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "I'm proud to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will relish 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 powerhouse 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."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

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

Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

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 chuckled as she vowed 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 in top form for a considerable period.

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

At this point, details about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.