The world number one and four-time major champion will face Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, in an exhibition match on 28 December in Dubai, which will be shown live on the BBC.
Some people believe the match is harmless entertainment, while others fear it could belittle women’s tennis if Sabalenka loses. However, she said she does not agree and insists the event is about having fun and showcasing great tennis, not harming the women’s game.
Sabalenka said the match will help raise the profile of women’s tennis and show that female players are strong, powerful and entertaining.
The 27-year-old Belarusian recently won the US Open and has been one of the standout stars of the WTA Tour. Kyrgios, 30, has struggled with injuries and has played only a handful of matches recently, leaving him ranked outside the top 600.
The idea for the event came from their shared agent Stuart Duguid, who said the match is not mainly about money. It is unclear how the players will be paid.
Sabalenka said Kyrgios will find the match difficult and that she is in a “win-win” situation. Kyrgios said the match will bring more entertainment and attention to tennis.
The original Battle of the Sexes match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973 was remembered as a key moment for gender equality in sport.
