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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Aussie 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 reached a career-high 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 ready 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 famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback a few months after.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules.

"I deeply admire 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 legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he has the same representative.

"When the world number one challenges you, you step up to the plate. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he said. "But 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 Women's Sport? – Viewpoint

Followers of the sport 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 misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting 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 unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and laughed as she pledged 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 remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he loves to be in.

At this point, details about the structure of the match are still limited – although serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.