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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

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

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Historical Context 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.

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

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple 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 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 reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "However 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 Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs 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 sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke 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 idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

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 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, specifics about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.