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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other 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 reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open second round 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’

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

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 women's game," 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 reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect 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."

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

Followers of the sport have been divided into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition began 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 management 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 pleaded guilty to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer 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 detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form for a long time.

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

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