Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka is set to face former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a unique exhibition match dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes” in Dubai on December 28. The match, which was confirmed by Sabalenka during the U.S. Open, will take place indoors at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena.
Kyrgios has disclosed that he will only have one serve and will be targeting a smaller area of the court during the match. Despite his limited recent play due to injuries, the Australian is confident of an easy victory.
In addition to the Dubai exhibition, both players will participate in a separate event in New York on December 8. Sabalenka is scheduled to play against Naomi Osaka, while Kyrgios will face Tommy Paul.
Expressing his excitement for the upcoming matches, Kyrgios shared on Instagram that he is thrilled to return to the court and engage with his fans while showcasing his tennis skills.
The name “Battle of the Sexes” for the Sabalenka-Kyrgios exhibition is a nod to the historic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, where King emerged victorious. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, and Kyrgios, who was the runner-up in the 2022 Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, are both eager to showcase their talents in these high-profile exhibitions.