Nick Kyrgios will face women’s world No1 Aryna Sabalenka in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in Dubai this December.
Kyrgios has tumbled to the 652nd rung of the world rankings as he deals with long-standing injury woes, which forced him to pull out of Wimbledon earlier this year.
Despite not playing an ATP Tour match since March, he will make his return to the court to face the four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka - the reigning US Open champion - at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena on December 28.
It will be the fourth official Battle of the Sexes and the first since Jimmy Connors faced Martina Navratilova in 1992. The most notable in the series came when Billy Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in three sets in 1973.
Speaking ahead of facing Kyrgios, Sabalenka laid down the gauntlet, promising to bring her ‘A-game’.
"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women's game," said Sabalenka.
"I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take on the iconic 'Battle of the Sexes' match.
"I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game.”
Kyrgios responded in kind, insisting he would not underestimate Sabalenka’s talent: “When the world number one 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."
The match format is yet to be confirmed, though BBC Sport report that certain rules may be imposed on the match to level the playing field, including ‘serving restrictions’ and court modifications.
