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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

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

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

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

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

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

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

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "But 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 Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport have been divided into two camps since talk of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management 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 assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp 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 idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form 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 enjoys.

At this point, specifics about the format of the match are still limited – although serving restrictions and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.