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Top-ranked 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, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant 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 second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple 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. "It's an honor 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 final, expressed he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," he remarked. "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 thrive on."

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 bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – 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 pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias 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 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 loses to a man who has not been fit for a long time.

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

At this stage, specifics about the structure of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.