🔗 Share this article Aryna Sabalenka Set to Face Kyrgios in Modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will meet at the 17,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena. World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition match in the UAE later this year. Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and thirty-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28. Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open title-holder. Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games 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 second round in March. "I have a lot of respect for Nick and his skill, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said. Past Context of Gender Showdowns A trio of recognized contests labeled as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have occurred – most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. American veteran 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 special rules. "I have so much respect for 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 legendary ‘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 has the same representative. "When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a powerhouse 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 thrill the crowd. This is what I thrive on." Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint Followers of the sport have been divided into two camps 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 attention of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media. Others believe it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics to be undermined if Sabalenka is defeated by Kyrgios. The fact that Kyrgios admitted to attacking an former partner 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 provoke sexism and misogyny. Sabalenka does not seem to be overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect 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 "kick Nick's ass". It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – especially if she is defeated to a man who has not been fit 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 consistently shown he enjoys. At this stage, specifics about the structure of the match are still scarce – although rules on serves and potential adjustments to the court are believed to have been discussed.