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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning 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 18 months.

He has been absent 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 prepared 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 famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later.

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

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," 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 final, said he will relish 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 said. "But 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 thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe 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 undermined if Sabalenka is beaten 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 that camp 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 women's sports. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this point, details about the structure of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.