Nick Kyrgios believes there are few male players who would accept the challenge of facing one of the best tennis players in the world, just as the irreverent Australian prepares to play against the number one in the women’s ranking, Aryna Sabalenka, in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition event to be held this month.
Although many see the December 28 duel between Kyrgios and four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in Dubai as simply a spectacle, there are critics who believe that such events can damage the image of women’s tennis.
Women’s tennis pioneer Billie Jean King made her name by beating former Grand Slam champion Bobby Riggs, 55, in a similar matchup. For his part, Kyrgios has acknowledged that he feels some nervousness.
“I think I have many possibilities. I am very confident in my abilities. It’s going to be fun, but I’m also a little nervous. I like to do things out of the ordinary. Honestly, few men in my place would have done this and taken the opportunity,” declared Kyrgios smiling during the World Tennis League exhibition tournament, in the Indian city of Bengaluru, this Wednesday.
Unlike Riggs, Kyrgios is still active on the men’s circuit, although he has only played five professional matches in 2025 due to the injuries that have marked his career.
The former world number 13 stated in September that women cannot return men’s serves and that he would beat Sabalenka without having to push himself to the limit, but added that this match will serve to increase respect between the men’s and women’s circuits.
Sabalenka has stated this month that men are “biologically stronger” than women, but assured that her confrontation with the former Wimbledon finalist is not reduced to that and that the event will only serve to give greater visibility to women’s tennis.
Kyrgios, known both on and off the court for his natural talent and irreverent personality, confessed that he does not know how the event in Dubai will unfold.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, we’ll see.. “I have been involved in many controversies throughout my career and this is one more experience that I am going to live,” he added.
