Sabalenka To Face Kyrgios In 'battle Of Sexes'

World number 1 Aryna Sabalenka will look Nick Kyrgios successful a 'Battle of nan Sexes' accumulation lucifer successful nan United Arab Emirates later this year.

Belarus' Sabalenka, 27, and 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios - classed 652nd successful nan world - are group to play each different astatine nan Coca-Cola Arena successful Dubai connected 28 December.

Four-time Grand Slam victor Sabalenka is nan reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high 13th successful 2016, has only played 5 matches this twelvemonth since returning from a superior wrist wounded that kept him retired for 18 months.

He has not played connected nan ATP Tour since losing successful nan Miami Open 2nd information successful March.

"I person a batch of respect for Nick and his talent, but make nary mistake, I'm fresh to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said.

Three charismatic matches labelled arsenic nan 'Battle of nan Sexes' person taken spot - astir famously betwixt Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs successful 1973.

American seasoned Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court earlier King exacted revenge 4 months later.

In 1992, a 40-year-old Jimmy Connors hit chap aggregate Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, past 35, nether hybrid rules.

"I person truthful overmuch respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for nan women's game," Sabalenka added.

"I'm proud to correspond women's tennis and to beryllium portion of this modern return of nan iconic 'Battle of nan Sexes' match."

Kyrgios, who reached nan 2022 Wimbledon final, said he will relish nan chance to play against Sabalenka, pinch whom he shares nan aforesaid agent.

"When nan world number 1 challenges you, you reply nan call. I've sewage monolithic respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a existent champion," he said.

"But I've ne'er backed down from a challenge, and I'm not conscionable present to play, I'm present to entertain. This is what I unrecorded for."