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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE in December.

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

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

Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a serious 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 early stage in March.

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

Historical Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later.

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 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 reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will relish 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 powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "However 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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

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

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – organized 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 assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

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 "interesting concept" and laughed as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

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

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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