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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning 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 kept him out for a year and a half.

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 best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests labeled 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 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 special rules.

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

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy 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 force 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 thrill the crowd. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

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

Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined 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 controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason 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 detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye 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 adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.