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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.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

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

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame 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 continued. "It's an honor to represent 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, said 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 force and a genuine winner," 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."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

Tennis fans have been divided into opposing sides 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 younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact 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 "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially 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 constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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