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

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are scheduled to compete at the Dubai venue on 28 December.

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

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world number 13 in 2016, has only played five matches this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months.

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 best performance," Sabalenka said.

Past Background of ‘Battle of the Sexes’

A trio of recognized contests known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ have taken place – most notably between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

US legend Riggs had defeated Australia's Margaret Court before King got payback four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multi-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then thirty-five, under special rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," Sabalenka added. "I'm proud to represent 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 shares the same agent.

"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 entertain. This is what I thrive on."

Harmless Entertainment or Damaging to Female Athletics? – Analysis

Followers of the sport have been split into two camps since rumblings of this exhibition started at the US Open in September.

Some think it is a fun diversion which will successfully attract the eyeballs of a newer, younger audience in the age of digital media.

Another group feels it is a misguided venture – arranged by the Evolve management which the players both share – and creates an opportunity for women's sport to be undermined if Sabalenka is beaten by Kyrgios.

The fact that Kyrgios admitted to assaulting an former partner in 2023, then later had to distance himself from divisive figure 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 overly concerned the event will have a detrimental effect on female athletics. Speaking about the possibility at the US Open, she said it was a "cool idea" and laughed as she vowed 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 fit for a considerable period.

For Kyrgios, he remains in the spotlight despite his continued absence from the tour and constantly in the public eye which he has repeatedly demonstrated he loves to be in.

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