Dubai hosts 'Battle of the sexes' 3.0

"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.

Kyrgios reached a career-high singles ranking of 13 in 2016 and also made it to the final of Wimbledon in 2022.

The 30-year-old is a major draw on and off the court at Grand Slams for his natural talent and unapologetic personality, the latter of which has sometimes proved controversial, landing him in hot water.

The match will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Gauff sweeps Paolini

Not far away, in Riyadh, Coco Gauff claimed a much-needed 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jasmine Paolini to keep her WTA Finals title defense alive on Tuesday, while top-seeded Sabalenka battled past Jessica Pegula 6-4,2-6, 6-3.

Gauff, the American third seed, had lost her opener two days earlier to Pegula, but was far more clinical against Paolini, whose second singles defeat of the week means she has no chance of advancing to the semifinals.

The Italian is still in contention in doubles, though, alongside her partner Sara Errani.

"I'm really happy with how I played today, definitely a turnaround from my first match," said Gauff, who posted her 10th top-10 win of the season.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, recovered from an early break in the deciding set to avenge her recent loss to Pegula in the Wuhan semifinals and strengthen her chances of qualifying for the final four.

The Belarusian could only convert four of the 16 break points she created, as Pegula fought until the bitter end.

A total of 10 of Pegula's last 11 matches have gone to three sets. This was just her second three-set loss within that stretch.

"She's an incredible player, she always pushes me to that limit," said Sabalenka of her fifth-seeded opponent.

"In the third set, I just told myself to go for it. She pushed me and I love it. I love playing against her because they're always great matches, a great level, great points. I was really enjoying that she was pushing me to the next level."