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

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-times 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 recovering from a significant wrist injury that kept him out for a year and a half.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten 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 achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said 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 true champion," he said. "But I've never backed down 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 Harmful to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport have been divided 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 successfully attract the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact 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 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 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 enjoys.

At this stage, specifics about the structure of the match are still scarce – although serving restrictions and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.