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Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates in December.

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

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a significant wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.

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

"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

Three official matches known 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 forty-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka continued. "It's an honor to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who made it to the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, said he will relish the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a genuine winner," he said. "But I've never shied away 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

Tennis fans have been split into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition began at the US Open in September.

Certain individuals believe it is a bit of harmless entertainment 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 sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023, then later had to separate himself from divisive figure Andrew Tate in 2024, is a big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could provoke sexism and anti-women sentiment.

Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the idea at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed to "defeat Nick convincingly".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit for a long time.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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