🔗 Share this article Aryna Sabalenka Ready to Challenge Nick Kyrgios in Contemporary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Exhibition The top-ranked female player and the Australian star will meet at the 17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year. The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete 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 world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning 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 have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said. Historical Background of Gender Showdowns A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most notably 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under special rules. "I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match." Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed he will relish 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 true champion," 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." Fun Spectacle or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Analysis Followers of the sport have been divided into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September. Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic in the age of digital media. Another group feels it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios. The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why that camp believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment. 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 laughed as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass". It is difficult, however, to see what she gains from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a long time. For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his ongoing break from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has consistently shown he loves to be in. At this stage, specifics about the structure of the match are still scarce – although serving restrictions and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.