🔗 Share this article

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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

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

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Past Background of Gender Showdowns

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – 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 beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, expressed 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 great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," 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 Damaging to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a newer, younger audience 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 women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and misogyny.

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 pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she loses to a man who has not been in top form for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

At this point, details about the format of the match are still scarce – although serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.