Aryna Sabalenka Calls 'Battle Of The Sexes' A 'Win-Win'; Shrugs Off Criticism Ahead Of Kyrgios Clash

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 11:21 IST

Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios in a Battle of the Sexes exhibition, aiming to showcase women’s tennis and unity, not rivalry, on December 28.

Nick Kyrgios is set to take on Aryna Sabalenka in 'The Battle Of The Sexes' (X)

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka isn’t losing sleep over the possibility of losing to Nick Kyrgios later this month — and she certainly doesn’t believe it would damage the reputation of women’s tennis.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is set to face the Australian, currently ranked 672 in the world, in a modern-day “Battle of the Sexes" exhibition on December 28.

The clash naturally draws comparisons to the iconic 1973 showdown in which Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs — a match watched by an estimated 90 million viewers and forever etched into tennis history.

But Sabalenka insists this isn’t that.

‘We’re There to Have Fun’

“I am not putting myself at any risk," the 27-year-old told the BBC, brushing off any notion that the match could backfire. “We’re there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins."

She didn’t sugarcoat the biological differences between male and female players — but made it clear that this event is about visibility, not superiority.

“It’s so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it’s not about that. This event is only going to help bring women’s tennis to a higher level," she said.

Kyrgios in a ‘Lose-Lose’? Sabalenka Thinks So

Kyrgios — who played only five professional matches in 2025 due to chronic injuries — is still considered a dangerous opponent. But Sabalenka believes the pressure lies entirely on him.

“It’s not going to be an easy match for Nick," she said. “I’m going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment. He’s in a lose-lose situation. I’m in a win-win situation."

Kyrgios himself has stirred controversy in the past, once claiming women “can’t return men’s serves" and that he’d beat Sabalenka without going full throttle. Yet ahead of the exhibition, he struck a more conciliatory tone.

He hopes the match boosts respect across tours: “If Aryna and I play our best tennis… our handshake afterwards [can] solidify the union between males and females in the tennis world."

(with Reuters inputs)

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