World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge 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 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 winner 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 recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for a year and a half.
He has not played on the ATP Tour since losing in the Miami Open early stage in March.
"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.
Historical 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.
American veteran 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 35, under special rules.
"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "I'm proud to stand for 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 championship match, said he will enjoy 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. "But 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 thrive on."
Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint
Tennis fans have been split 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 social-media content.
Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – 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 beaten by Kyrgios.
The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and anti-women sentiment.
Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly".
It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she loses to a man who has not been fit for a long time.
For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.
At this stage, specifics about the format of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.
