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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 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 peaked at 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

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

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches known 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 exacted revenge a few months after.

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

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to represent women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, expressed 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 powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "However 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 thrive on."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps 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 social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner 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 unnecessarily fuel sexism 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 "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight 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 stage, specifics about the structure of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.