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

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

Four-times 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 kept him out 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 talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated.

Past Background of Gender Showdowns

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

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

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 done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will enjoy 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 force and a genuine winner," he remarked. "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 Female Athletics? – Analysis

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel sexism 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 chuckled as she vowed to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – particularly if she loses 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 repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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