🔗 Share this article

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant 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 second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Historical Background of Gender Showdowns

A trio of recognized contests labeled 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 got payback a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘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 has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport have been divided into two camps since talk of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience 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 creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner 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 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 idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

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

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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