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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

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

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

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 talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests 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 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 deeply admire 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 modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed 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 great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "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 thrive on."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Female Athletics? – 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 newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

At this point, 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.