A 'Battle of the Sexes' match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios has divided the tennis world, with former Australian player Rennae Stubbs questioning why it needs to happen.
The match will evoke memories of the historic battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973, which King won in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome.
Ninety million people tuned into that battle, which has been replicated on several occasions. Although this time, it is reportedly set to be played under modified rules.
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One key rule changed includes the fact Kyrgios will be restricted to a single serve, while Sabalenka's court size will be reduced by nine per cent.
Kyrgios admitted that when a "world No.1 challenges you, you answer the call", with his female rival already throwing out barbs that she is set to win the looming battle.
However, confirmation of the match has sparked mixed responses on social media.
Former Australian doubles star Paul McNamee posted on X that the rumoured rule changes doing the rounds online already sums up the nature of the battle.
"Well … changing the dimensions of the court to being a smaller target for the guy and not letting him have a first serve says everything you need to know about this, to be honest," McNamee said.
Meanwhile, Stubbs noted that it is unclear what exactly is at stake for either player.
The six-time doubles grand slam champion made her stance clear that only the Battle of the Sexes match played 50 years ago will hold a significant place in the history books.
"They are saying this has a significant place in history … yeah, the one 50 years ago was important, when it was women trying to fight for equality and women's rights in the US. That's when it was important," she said on the Rennae Stubbs podcast.
"No one gives a f–k what is happening with Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.
"The only reason they are putting this on is because their management company has gone, 'we're going to make a bit of money here.' But what is in this for women's tennis?
"Nick Kyrgios, unless he is really hurt and can't run at all, he is going to win this match easily. It is just a fact.
"Male tennis players, especially someone as good as Nick Kyrgios, even if is he playing at 50 per cent, he is going to win that match.
"It just doesn't make sense to me. Is Sabalenka going to be serious? Is it going to be like a joke?"
Sabalenka has been clear that her intention is to win the match, reiterating that her profound respect for the work that King has done to help the women's game.
"I'm proud to represent women's tennis and to be part of this modern take on the iconic Battle of the Sexes match," Sabalenka said when speaking of the exhibition match.
The match will take place just shy of a month out from the Australian Open, with the event scheduled to be played in Dubai on December 28.
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