Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios in a 'Battle of the Sexes' match on December 28, organisers TLive announced in Dubai on Tuesday.
The exhibition match between WTA world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and tennis showman Nick Kyrgios. The event will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena and will blend top-level competition with world-class entertainment.
The match will be a modern rendition of tennis icon Billie Jean King's showdown with fellow American Bobby Riggs, 52 years ago, and was a highlight moment in the sport across the genders' tennis movements.
Played in Houston's Astrodome, some 90 million tuned in worldwide to watch King storm to a straight sets victory which propelled the fight for equality in sports.
Aged 55 at the time, Riggs had beaten Australia's Margaret Court four months earlier before King, aged 29, exacted revenge.
In 1992, eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors, then aged 40, beat 18-time major winner Martina Navratilova, then 35, under modified rules.
"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka said in a statement. "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."
Kyrgios, 30, reached a career-high singles ranking of 13 in 2016, and he also made it to the final of Wimbledon in 2022. The world No.652 is an unapologetic personality and both players have teased the match on numerous occasions.
"When the world No.1 challenges you, you answer the call," Kyrgios said. "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."
