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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28.

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

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

He has not played on the ATP Tour since exiting in the Miami Open second round in March.

"I greatly admire Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past Context of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

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

US legend Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has achieved for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor 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, 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 great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," he remarked. "However I've never shied away from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to thrill the crowd. This is what I thrive on."

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

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

Certain individuals believe it is a fun diversion which will effectively draw the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a key factor why that camp believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a negative impact on women's sports. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and chuckled as she vowed 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 long time.

For Kyrgios, he manages to stay relevant despite his continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has consistently shown he enjoys.

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