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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the UAE in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that kept him out 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 skill, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will enjoy 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 thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

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

Certain individuals believe 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 agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated 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 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 detrimental effect 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 "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been fit 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 stage, details about the structure of the match are still scarce – although serving restrictions and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.