Sabalenka faces Kyrgios in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match

Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match in Dubai on December 28, organizers announced on Tuesday.

Sabalenka will face Kyrgios in a modern rendition of tennis icon Billie Jean King’s 1973 showdown with compatriot Bobby Riggs, which proved to be a turning point for both tennis and the women’s movement.

Played in Houston’s Astrodome, some 90 million people worldwide tuned in to see King storm to a straight sets victory that propelled the fight for equality in the sport.

Riggs was 55 years old at the time and had defeated Australia’s Margaret Court four months earlier before King, 29, exacted revenge.

Connors vs. Navratilova

In 1992, eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors, then 40 years old, defeated 18-time major winner Martina Navratilova, then 35, under modified rules.

“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka said in a statement.

“I am proud to represent women’s tennis and be part of this modern version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes competition.”

Kyrgios says he can easily beat Sabalenka

Sabalenka and Kyrgios have repeatedly teased the match in recent months, with the match initially set to take place in Hong Kong.

World number 652 Kyrgios, who has played just five matches this year since returning from a serious wrist injury that kept him out for 18 months, said in September he could easily beat Sabalenka.

When asked about the Australian’s comments during her run to the US Open title, the Belarusian said she was keen to prove Kyrgios wrong.

“I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I am ready to bring my best game,” Sabalenka said.

Kyrgios reached a career-high singles ranking of 13 in 2016 and also reached the Wimbledon final in 2022.

The 30-year-old is a huge draw on the court at Grand Slams, with his natural talent and unapologetic personality, which has also landed him in controversy in the past.

The match will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.