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

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

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 significant wrist injury that kept him out for a year and a half.

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

"I greatly admire Nick and his skill, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Historical Background of Gender Showdowns

Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most famously 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 multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "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 made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he remarked. "But I've never shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since talk of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. 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 – particularly 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 constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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