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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

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

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open title-holder.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for a year and a half.

He has been absent on the ATP Tour since exiting 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 commented.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge a few months after.

In 1992, a forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple 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 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 championship match, 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 remarked. "However I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I live for."

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

Tennis fans have been divided into two camps since talk of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think 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 – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to distance 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 detrimental effect on women's sports. 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 – especially if she loses 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 constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

At this stage, details about the format of the match are still limited – although rules on serves and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.