World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to face former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a men’s vs. women’s match in the UAE later this year.
Published November 4, 2025
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, 27, will face Kyrgios in a modernized version of the 1973 showdown between tennis icon Billie Jean King and fellow American Bobby Riggs, which was a turning point for both tennis and the women’s movement.
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The match, which took place at the Astrodome in Houston, was watched by approximately 90 million people around the world, witnessing King’s straight-set victory that furthers the fight for equality in sports.
Riggs, then 55, had defeated Australia’s Margaret Court four months before King, 29, got her revenge.
In 1992, eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors, then 40, defeated 18-time major champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under modified rules.
“I have great respect for Billie Jean King and what she has accomplished for the women’s game,” four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka said in a statement.
“We are proud to represent women’s tennis and take part in a modern-day version of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.”
Sabalenka and Kyrgios have teased the bout many times over the past few months, which was originally scheduled to take place in Hong Kong.
Kyrgios, ranked 652nd in the world, has played just five matches this year since returning from 18 months on the sidelines with a serious wrist injury, but said in September that he would easily beat Sabalenka.
Asked about the Australian Open champion’s comments, the Belarusian said he was keen to prove Kyrgios wrong.
“I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but don’t get me wrong, I’m ready to bring my best game,” Sabalenka said.
Kyrgios reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 13 in 2016 and reached the Wimbledon final in 2022.
The 30-year-old has garnered a lot of attention both on and off the Grand Slam court for his natural talent and fearless personality, which has also caused controversy in the past.
The match will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
