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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the UAE later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other 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 only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious 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 second round in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," 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.

US legend Riggs had defeated 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 special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor to represent 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 championship match, 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 powerhouse 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 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 began at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an former partner 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 sexism and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned 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 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 long time.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he loves to be in.

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