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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set 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 kept him out for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Historical 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 exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple 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 continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed 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 true champion," he said. "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 live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting 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 negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

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 loves to be in.

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