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World number one 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 thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28.

Four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him 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 talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got great admiration 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 live for."

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

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

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve management 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 admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

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 chuckled as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she is defeated 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 firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he loves to be in.

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