🔗 Share this article Aryna Sabalenka Set to Take On Kyrgios in Modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will compete at the 17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena. World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the UAE later this year. The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28. Four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder. Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has only played five matches 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 have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented. Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’ A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after. In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, 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 represent 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 shares the same agent. "Being challenged by the top player, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a genuine winner," he said. "However I've never backed down 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 Damaging to Female Athletics? – Viewpoint Followers of the sport have been split into opposing sides since talk of this exhibition began at the US Open in September. Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content. Others believe 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 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 big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny. 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 vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly". It is difficult, 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 considerable period. For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant 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 serving restrictions and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.