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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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 participated in just five games 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 losing in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Background of Gender Showdowns

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat 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 achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "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, expressed he will enjoy 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 great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "However 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."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Followers of the sport have been divided into opposing sides since talk of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics 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 key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed 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 in top form for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight 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 scarce – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.