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

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 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 exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably 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 35, under special rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent 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 relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. 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 entertain. This is what I live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

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

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Another group feels 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 belittled if Sabalenka is defeated 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 key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

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 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 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 loves to be in.

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