Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will take on former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match in Dubai on December 28.
After Sabalenka confirmed during the US Open that negotiations for the match were ongoing, both players posted logistics details on their social media accounts on Tuesday.
They will play indoors at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena.
Kyrgios said he will only get one serve this year and will hit it to the short side of the court. The Australian, who has barely played in recent years due to injury, predicted he would win easily.
Both players will also take part in an exhibition match in New York on December 8, but not against each other: Sabalenka will play Naomi Osaka and Kyrgios will face Tommy Paul.
“I can’t wait to get back on the court,” Kyrgios said in an Instagram story. “Honestly, I feel amazing. I never thought I’d be back in this position, able to travel the world, see fans and play amazing tennis.”
The name of the Sabalenka-Kyrgios exhibition was taken from the 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome.
Sabalenka is a four-time Grand Slam champion.
Kyrgios lost the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic.
