🔗 Share this article

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the UAE in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

He has not played 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 ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Background 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.

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

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

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he remarked. "But 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 thrive on."

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

Tennis fans have been divided 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 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 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 big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a negative impact on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is hard, however, to see what she benefits 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 ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this stage, specifics about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.