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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other 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 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 a year and a half.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Past Background 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 defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules.

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

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "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 Harmful to Women's Sport? – 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 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 female athletics 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 distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and anti-women sentiment.

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

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she is defeated 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 firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

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