🔗 Share this article Aryna Sabalenka Ready to Face Kyrgios in Contemporary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Exhibition The top-ranked female player and the Australian star will meet at the 17,000-capacity Dubai arena. World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE later this year. The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28. Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion. Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for a year and a half. He has been absent 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 ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented. Historical Context of Gender Showdowns Three official matches known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after. In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under hybrid rules. "I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version 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 said. "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." Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint Tennis fans have been divided into opposing sides since talk 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 younger demographic in the age of digital media. Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios. The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty 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 provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment. Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on women's sports. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly". It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she loses to a man who has not been in top form 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 loves to be in. At this stage, details about the structure of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been discussed.