🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

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

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

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

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

Past 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 defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time 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 added. "It's an honor to represent 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 championship match, expressed he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "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."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner 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 unnecessarily fuel gender bias 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 idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, 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 remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

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