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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam winner 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 serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

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

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

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

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

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "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 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 massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "However 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 Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since talk 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 younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten 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 big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

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 loves to be in.

At this stage, 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.