🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games 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 exiting in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most famously 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," 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 championship match, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force 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 entertain. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

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 beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty 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 that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

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 laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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

At this point, details about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.