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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE in December.

Belarus' 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-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th 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 losing 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 A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches 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 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 special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "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 made it to the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, 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 great admiration 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."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been split into two camps since talk 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 attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

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

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and anti-women sentiment.

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 chuckled as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially 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 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 adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.