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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-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 current 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 serious wrist injury that kept him out for a year and a half.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open second round in March.

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

Past Background 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 beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback 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 continued. "I'm proud to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy 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 massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he said. "However I've never shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I thrive on."

Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Some think 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 ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up 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 separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. 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 hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly 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 continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this stage, specifics about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.