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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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 only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to stand for 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 final, expressed he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "But I've never backed down 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 Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been split 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 successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Another group feels 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 defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp 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 women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

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 constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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