Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates on December 28.
Sabalenka, 27, will face 30-year-old Australian Kyrgios at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena.
Sabalenka, the current world No 1 and a four-time Grand Slam winner, is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion. Kyrgios, meanwhile, has not played an ATP Tour match since his second-round exit at the Miami Open in March.
He is ranked 652nd, having played just five matches since returning from an 18-month wrist injury. “I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake – I’m ready to bring my A-game,” Sabalenka said.
This will be the fourth ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in history, following Billie Jean King’s iconic 1973 clash with Bobby Riggs, who lost to the 12-time Grand Slam winner four months after defeating Australia’s Margaret Court.
“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” Sabalenka added. “I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take on the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.”
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Highlights of the US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova
In 1992, 40-year-old Jimmy Connors defeated 35-year-old Martina Navratilova in another exhibition match. Kyrgios, a 2022 Wimbledon finallist, who shares the same agent as Sabalenka, said he felt duty-bound to accept the challenge and entertain.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
