go one-on-one with (someone)

In some form of competition, especially sports, to compete directly against an individual person (even in a team sport). I'm glad I put in extra time at the gym this week because the coach has me going one-on-one with the biggest player on their team! The candidate who was trailing in the polls tried to go one on one with the frontrunner during the debate by ignoring the other politicians on stage. As a defenseman, I know I'll have to go one-on-one with their top forward, and I refuse to let him beat me to the goal.