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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

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

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 18 months.

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

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

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame 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 done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

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

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," 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."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency 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 pleaded guilty to attacking 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 sexism and misogyny.

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

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

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

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