🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since exiting 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 best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

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

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," 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 live for."

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

Tennis fans have been split into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency 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 pleaded guilty 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 too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she is defeated 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 firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

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