🔗 Share this article

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th 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 losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past 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.

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 hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor to represent 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 final, said he will relish 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 powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "However I've never shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been split into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

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

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke 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 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 – 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 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 serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.