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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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 participated in just five games this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of Gender Showdowns

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most famously 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 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to represent women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version 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 answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "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 live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport 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 divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke 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 "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 long time.

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 loves to be in.

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