🔗 Share this article

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian 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 peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Historical Context of Gender Showdowns

Three official matches known 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 got payback four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat 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 women's game," Sabalenka added. "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 championship match, 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 step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "However 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 thrive on."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Analysis

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

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 defeated 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 unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he loves to be in.

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