🔗 Share this article Sabalenka Set to Challenge Nick Kyrgios in Contemporary Gender Showdown Match The top-ranked female player and the Australian star will meet at the 17,000-capacity Dubai arena. World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event in the UAE later this year. Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December. Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion. Kyrgios, who peaked at world number 13 in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since recovering from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months. He has not played 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 make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my best performance," Sabalenka stated. 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. 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 thirty-five, under hybrid rules. "I deeply admire Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "It's an honor to stand for women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match." Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon championship match, 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 answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," he said. "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 Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis Followers of the sport have been split 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 eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media. Others believe it is a misguided venture – organized by the Evolve agency which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for women's sport to be belittled 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 key factor why that camp 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 "cool idea" and chuckled as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass". It is hard, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she loses to a man who has not been in top form for a considerable period. For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his ongoing break from the tour and constantly in the public eye 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 discussed.