ARYNA SABALENKA and Nick Kyrgios will face each other next month in a modern-day Battle of the Sexes clash in the desert.
Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena will host an exhibition match and it promises to be a Christmas Cracker.
Sabalenka, 27, is current women’s tennis world No.1 and very much in her prime.
This year, the Belarusian reached three Grand Slam finals and is fresh off the back of winning the US Open.
Kyrgios, 30, reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, losing to Novak Djokovic.
The Greek-Australian been inactive having played just five matches this year.
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Previously, a wrist injury had kept him out for 18 months which has seen him drop down to 652nd in the men’s rankings.
Sabalenka is hoping to take advantage of this.
She said: “I genuinely think that I’m going to win, and I’ll definitely go out there, and I’ll try my best to kick his a**.
“I think it’s gonna be spectacular to watch. It’s going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick.
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“It’s gonna be a good thing if I’ll be able to win. But definitely if we’re going to bring it, we’re going to bring it to somewhere where it’s going to be a lot of people watching, and we’re gonna put a lot of pressure on Nick.”
It will be the fourth time that a Battle of the Sexes match has taken place.
The first time was in May 1973 when 55-year-old American and former men’s champion Bobby Riggs defeated Australia’s Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in California.
Four months later, Billie Jean King beat Riggs in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) in Houston.
In 1992, in another all-American affair in Las Vegas, Jimmy Connors defeated Martina Navratilova 7-5, 6-2.
Sabalenka vs Kyrgios will be latest edition of Battle of the Sexes, and the former says she is happy to be part of this unique history and cited Billie Jean King as an inspiration.
She added: “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.
“Dubai is my home, and I know this city loves big, entertaining events. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.
“I can’t wait to step on that court at the Coca-Cola Arena and put on an incredible show for the fans.”
As Box Office as this encounter will be – aside from the money the two camps will be making – there is no guarantee former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios will be fully fit as his career continues to bomb.
The Aussie, who is keen to remain relevant despite his world rankings dive, said: “When the world No 1 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. Dubai, get ready for a show, because I’m going to bring the heat.”
Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slam singles championships, is considered by many to be the most successful woman in professional tennis.
While appearing with US TV host David Letterman in 2013, the topic of whether she could beat a man was brought up in conversation.
The American said: “Actually it’s funny, because Andy Murray, he’s been joking about myself and him playing a match.
“I’m like, ‘Andy, seriously, are you kidding me?’ For me, men’s tennis and women’s tennis are completely, almost, two separate sports.
“If I were to play Andy Murray, I would lose 6-0, 6-0 in five to six minutes, maybe 10 minutes. No, it’s true.
“It’s a completely different sport. The men are a lot faster and they serve harder, they hit harder, it’s just a different game.
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“I love to play women’s tennis. I only want to play girls, because I don’t want to be embarrassed.
“I would not do the tour, I would not do Billie Jean any disservice. So Andy, stop it. I’m not going to let you kill me.”
