🔗 Share this article Sabalenka Set to Challenge Kyrgios in Modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will meet at the 17,000-capacity Dubai arena. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in the UAE in December. The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28. Four-times Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open title-holder. Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months. He has been absent 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 ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said. Past Context of Gender Showdowns 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. American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later. In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules. "I deeply admire 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 modern take of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match." Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed 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 massive respect for Aryna; she's a force 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 thrive on." Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Analysis Tennis fans have been split into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September. Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience 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 sets up an opportunity for female athletics to be belittled if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios. The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from controversial influencer 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 female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she pledged to "defeat Nick convincingly". It is hard, 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 remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he enjoys. At this point, specifics about the format of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.