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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE later this year.

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

Four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge 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 continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he said. "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 Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport have been split into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention 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 undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke 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 possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, 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 manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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