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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam champion 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 kept him out 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 greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Historical Background 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.

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

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent 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 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 force and a genuine winner," he remarked. "However 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."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful 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.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel 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 gains from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been in top form for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant 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 format of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.