Nick Kyrgios is already getting inside his own head about facing Aryna Sabalenka, and honestly, that might be the most dangerous thing for him. The injured Australian tennis star is set to take on the three-time Grand Slam winner in an exhibition “battle of the sexes” match in Hong Kong this January, and his recent comments reveal exactly how seriously he’s taking this challenge.
How Confident Is Nick Kyrgios About Beating Aryna Sabalenka?
During a candid conversation with friend Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios opened up about his mindset heading into the highly anticipated match. The Australian genuinely respected the Belarusian star, though he couldn’t help but reveal his competitive nature.
He said of Sabalenka, “She’s awesome, by the way. Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character. I’m super excited for that. She’s the type of player, she genuinely thinks she can win.”
When Bublik pressed him about whether he would actually “try” to win, Kyrgios didn’t hold back. “She’s not gonna beat me, I’m gonna try; I’ll be representing you, the men’s side. I’d say (with a scoreline of) like 6-2 maybe.”
However, when pushed further about giving his full effort, Kyrgios seemed almost dismissive: “Do you really think I have to try a hundred percent?”
His strategy? Kyrgios suggested employing the “chip” and “drop shot” tactic to overwhelm World No. 1. However, the psychological pressure is clearly getting to him. He admitted that if he chose not to try, it would look “so bad” and the “internet would go crazy.” His final declaration left no doubt about his intentions: “I don’t want her to win, that’s for sure.”
Kyrgios on upcoming Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka
Bublik: “Are you gonna try?”
Nick. “She’s 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”
pic.twitter.com/DaLoSpCuJF
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2025
The timing adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Kyrgios recently withdrew from the 2025 US Open due to ongoing injury concerns that have plagued his career. Meanwhile, Sabalenka has continued her dominant form, reaching the tournament’s quarterfinals and cementing her position as the world’s top-ranked women’s player.
This exhibition is designed to recreate the magic of one of tennis history’s most memorable moments, and both players seem to understand the weight of that legacy.
What Made the Original Battle of the Sexes So Legendary?
The 1973 match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King remains one of tennis’s most iconic moments, and it’s easy to see why organizers want to capture that lightning in a bottle again.
The drama began when 55-year-old Riggs, a retired champion known for his showmanship, defeated top women’s player Margaret Court in what became known as the “Mother’s Day Massacre.” Emboldened by that victory, Riggs set his sights on an even bigger target.
He challenged King, the era’s dominant female player, while making inflammatory comments to grab headlines. Riggs bragged that women were too emotional to win and belonged “in the bedroom and kitchen.” Those remarks turned what could have been a simple exhibition into a cultural battleground.
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The September 20, 1973, showdown in Houston became pure theater. Riggs entered in a rickshaw wearing a “Sugar Daddy” jacket, while King was carried in on a litter by shirtless men. The spectacle drew massive attention, but once the tennis began, the result was decisive.
A clearly out-of-shape Riggs struggled with mistakes and fatigue as King dominated. She won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, proving her point in the most emphatic way possible. The victory became a symbol far beyond tennis, representing a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality in sports.
More than 50 years later, Kyrgios and Sabalenka can create their own memorable chapter in this ongoing story. The question is whether the Australians’ confidence will translate to victory or become what trips them up.
