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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning 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 sidelined him for 18 months.

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

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my A-game," Sabalenka stated.

Historical Background of Gender Showdowns

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under hybrid rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed 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 genuine winner," he remarked. "However I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport have been divided into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged 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 admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is hard, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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