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

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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

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 second round in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm ready 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 notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "I'm proud 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 final, 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 true champion," he said. "But 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."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Followers of the sport have been split into opposing sides since talk of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a negative impact on women's sports. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he loves to be in.

At this stage, specifics about the format of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.