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

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam winner 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 18 months.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready 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 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 forty-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 legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

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

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," 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 live for."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Analysis

Followers of the sport have been split into opposing sides 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 newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates 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 separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" 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 is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a considerable period.

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 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 considered.