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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

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 ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time 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 added. "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 final, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "However 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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe 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 beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend 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 provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a detrimental effect 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 "kick Nick's ass".

It is hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been in top form 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 point, details about the structure of the match are still limited – although serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.