🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

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

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

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

He has been absent 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 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.

US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, 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 has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Tennis fans have been split 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 younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – 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 distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she is defeated 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 constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this point, 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.