🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who peaked at 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 losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.

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

Past Context of Gender Showdowns

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.

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 beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "I'm proud to represent 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 has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," he remarked. "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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

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

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

Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias 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 "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

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 remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye 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 adjustments to the court are believed to have been considered.