Sabalenka to play against Kyrgios in Battle of Sexes

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates later this year

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios - ranked 652nd in the world - are set to play each other at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on 28 December. Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th 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 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 ready to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Three official matches labelled as the 'Battle of the Sexes' have taken place - most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

American veteran Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court before King exacted revenge four months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors beat fellow multiple Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.

"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game. I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic 'Battle of the Sexes' match," Sabalenka added.

Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, 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 answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion. But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I live for," he said.