Sabalenka to face Kyrgios – but could ‘Battle of Sexes’ damage women’s sport?

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to participate in a high-profile exhibition tennis match against Nick Kyrgios, an event being billed as a ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ The highly anticipated contest is scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year. This encounter revives a concept with a notable history in tennis, often sparking discussion within the sporting world. Sabalenka, currently at the pinnacle of women’s professional tennis, will face off against the Australian tennis star in a match designed to entertain and draw attention. The format traditionally pits a top male player against a leading female player, often raising questions about its implications and representation for women’s professional sport. This upcoming fixture in Dubai is expected to generate significant interest among tennis fans and observers alike.