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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 in December.

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

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has been absent 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 make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

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

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "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 enjoy 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 remarked. "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 Women's Sport? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started 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.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance 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 negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, 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 loves to be in.

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.