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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

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 28 December.

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering 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 early stage in March.

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

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – 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 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, 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 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 shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "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 Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Followers of the sport 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 effectively draw the attention of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe 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 beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

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 pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, 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 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 scarce – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.