🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.

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

Past Context 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 defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

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

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," 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 reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, 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 shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Followers of the sport have been split into two camps since talk 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 younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency 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 admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend 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 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 "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been in top form for a long time.

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 loves to be in.

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