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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-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 reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

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

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

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

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time 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. "I'm proud 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 championship match, said he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "However I've never shied away 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? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been split 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 successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted 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 that camp believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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