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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian 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 champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests labeled 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 got payback four months later.

In 1992, a forty-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 done for the women's game," 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 reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, expressed 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. "However I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

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

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management 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 assaulting an former partner 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 unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. 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 difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been fit for a considerable period.

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 enjoys.

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