🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has been absent 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 make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for 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 made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed 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 massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," 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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is hard, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

At this point, details about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.