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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a serious 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 early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Historical Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time 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 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 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 force and a genuine winner," he said. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I live for."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic 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 female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten 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 key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she loses 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 constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

At this point, details about the structure of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.