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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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 recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open second round in March.

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

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 got payback four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud 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, expressed he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," he remarked. "However 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 live for."

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

Followers of the sport have been split into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias 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 "cool idea" and chuckled as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been fit for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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