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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on 28 December.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has only played five matches 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 skill, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches labeled 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time 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 women's game," 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 enjoy 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 great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he remarked. "However 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 thrive on."

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

Followers of the sport have been divided 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 effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled 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 key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she pledged 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 manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys.

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