Nick Kyrgios relishing Battle of the Sexes exhibition match against women's world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka - 'This is what I live for'
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By Ben Grounds
Published 04/11/2025 at 14:30 GMT
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Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are to play in a modern-day 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition tennis match. The event will be held on December 28, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. In 1973, the second 'Battle of the Sexes' saw Billie Jean King famously defeat Bobby Riggs. The two stars will also be gearing up for the Australian Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ from January 18 to February 1.
'Kick his a**' - Sabalenka on facing Kyrgios in 'Battle of the Sexes' clash
Video credit: SNTV
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on Nick Kyrgios in a high-profile 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
The 27-year-old and Kyrgios - ranked 652nd in the world - are scheduled to face off at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 28.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, is the reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion, making her one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
The match-up marks an unusual preparation for the 2026 Australian Open, which takes place from January 18 to February 1, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Kyrgios, who reached a career-high No. 13 in 2016, has struggled with injuries in recent years, playing only five matches this season after returning from a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for 18 months.
"When the world No. 1 challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion," the 30-year-old Australian said.
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Video credit: SNTV
"But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I live for. Dubai, get ready for a show, because I'm going to bring the heat."
Kyrgios, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, shares the same agent as Sabalenka - and the encounter marks only the fourth time that the 'Battle of the Sexes' has taken place - most famously between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.
American veteran Riggs had overcome Australia's Margaret Court before King avenged that loss four months later in straight sets.
At 29, King was the world’s top female player, while Riggs, a former No. 1 aged 55, boasted that he could defeat any woman on the tour.
The match, still the most-watched tennis contest in history, drew 30,000 spectators in Houston and an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide.
Later in 1992, Jimmy Connors was 40 years old when he beat Martina Navratilova, then 35, under hybrid rules.
"It's happening. Sabalenka against Kyrgios. Battle of the Sexes," the Belarusian wrote on Instagram.
"I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for 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.
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'Hard work pays off' - Sabalenka thrilled to be No. 1 after 'tough lessons'
Video credit: SNTV
"Dubai is my home, and I know this city loves big, entertaining events. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I'm ready to bring my A-game."
Kyrgios has not competed on the ATP Tour since a second-round exit at the Miami Open in March and withdrew from both Wimbledon and the US Open. He is now targeting a return at the Australian Open.
"Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character," Kyrgios said of Sabalenka earlier this year. "I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she's going to win.
"She [Sabalenka] is not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100%? I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing the men's side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe.
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"I’m not going to go there and say, 'Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play this.' That would make me look so bad. I’d imagine the internet would go crazy - go bananas.
"I mean, our serves, women can’t really return those," Kyrgios also claimed. "And then we can just chip and drop shot. I think I’m going to be okay. I’m going to go there, and I don’t want her to win. That’s for sure."
Watch and stream top tennis action, including the 2026 Australian Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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