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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the UAE later this year.

The Belarusian Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Aussie Kyrgios – currently placed 652nd in the world – are scheduled to play each other at the Dubai venue on December 28.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th in 2016, has participated in just five games this year since returning from a significant wrist injury that kept him out 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 talent, but make no mistake, I'm prepared to bring my best performance," Sabalenka commented.

Past Background of Gender Showdowns

A trio of recognized contests labeled 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 40-year-old Jimmy Connors overcame fellow multiple 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 female tennis," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this contemporary version of the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match."

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed he will enjoy the chance to play against Sabalenka, with whom he shares the same agent.

"Being challenged by the top player, you step up to the plate. I've got great admiration for Aryna; she's a force and a true champion," 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 live for."

Harmless Entertainment or Harmful to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Tennis fans 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 successfully attract the eyeballs of a younger demographic in the age of digital media.

Others believe it is a ill-advised project – organized by the Evolve management which the players both share – and sets up an opportunity for female athletics 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 controversial influencer 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 too worried the event will have a detrimental effect on women's sports. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "interesting concept" and chuckled as she pledged to "kick Nick's ass".

It is difficult, however, to see what she benefits from the event – particularly if she is defeated to a man who has not been in top form 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 consistently shown he enjoys.

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