🔗 Share this article Aryna Sabalenka Set to Take On Nick Kyrgios in Modern Gender Showdown Exhibition Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will compete at the 17,000-capacity Dubai arena. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is set to challenge Nick Kyrgios in a cross-gender exhibition event in the United Arab Emirates in December. Belarus' Sabalenka, twenty-seven, and thirty-year-old Australian Kyrgios – ranked 652nd in the world – are set to compete at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 28. Four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka is the current Wimbledon and US Open champion. Kyrgios, who peaked at 13th in 2016, has only played five matches this year since recovering 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 early stage in March. "I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but rest assured, I'm ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka commented. Historical Background of Gender Showdowns 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 forty-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 women's game," Sabalenka added. "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 final, expressed he will enjoy 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 massive respect for Aryna; she's a force 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." Fun Spectacle or Damaging to Women's Sport? – Viewpoint Followers of the sport have been divided into opposing sides since rumblings of this exhibition began at the US Open in September. Some think it is a bit of harmless entertainment which will successfully attract the attention of a younger demographic in the age of social-media content. Another group feels it is a ill-advised project – 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 big reason why some critics believe this exhibition could unnecessarily fuel gender bias and misogyny. Sabalenka does not seem to be too worried the event will have a negative impact on female athletics. 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 gains 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 continued absence from the tour and firmly in the spotlight which he has repeatedly demonstrated he enjoys. At this point, details about the format of the match are still scarce – although serving restrictions and potential court modifications are believed to have been considered.