Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Nick Kyrgios in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match scheduled for December 28, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Ahead of the event, the comments made by the World No. 1 regarding Kyrgios drew varied reactions from tennis fans.
The exhibition match will feature modified rules, apparently allowing Kyrgios to serve only once and requiring him to hit toward a smaller side of the court.
How Did the Fans React to Aryna Sabalenka’s Remarks About Nick Kyrgios?
Ahead of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match, Sabalenka expressed that she is “proud” to represent women’s tennis at the event. She mentioned that she has a lot of “respect” for Kyrgios and that she will bring her “A-game” forward.
“I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game. I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be a part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match,” Sabalenka said.
However, Sabalenka’s comments about Kyrgios have drawn criticism from some tennis fans on social media. One fan pleaded with her not to participate in the exhibition match.
“Omg I’m begging her please don’t do this ☹️,” a fan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Meanwhile, another fan expressed disapproval of Sabalenka’s “respect” for Kyrgios, labeling him an “ab*ser” in reference to his guilty plea for assaulting a former girlfriend in 2023. The fan also argued that both players are ‘undermining’ the significance of the original ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match, which took place in 1973 between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, suggesting that Sabalenka and Kyrgios are simply in it for the financial gain.
“Saying you have respect for an ab*ser is one thing but using ‘battle of the sexes’ as the title is grim. Completely undermines the original battle of the sexes for what is a clear money grab from both sides. Grim,” another fan wrote.
Here are some other fan reactions:
“People be respecting people that have never been respected before,” a fan posted.
“he has repeatedly degraded women’s tennis and there she is, the wta #1, giving him respects that he never deserved.. oh sabalenka 💀,” a fan wrote.
“respect for a misogynistic ab*ser. it just gets worst and worst. there really is no hope…” a fan posted.
Sabalenka is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, competing at the 2025 WTA Finals. She is the top seed and started her campaign by defeating eighth-seeded Jasmine Paolini in her first group stage match, winning with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-1. In her second group stage match, the World No. 1 triumphed over fifth seed Jessica Pegula with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 score.
Sabalenka’s Road Ahead at the 2025 WTA Finals
Following her victory over Pegula in the second group stage match at the 2025 WTA Final, Sabalenka is set to face defending champion and third seed Coco Gauff in the next group stage match.
Gauff, who won the season-ending tournament in 2024 by defeating Zheng Qinwen in the final, began her title defense this year with a loss, falling to Pegula 3-6, 7-6(4), 2-6 in her opening match. However, she secured her place against Sabalenka by overcoming Paolini in her second round-robin match, winning 6-3, 6-2.
Sabalenka and Gauff have faced each other 11 times on the WTA Tour, with the World No. 3 winning six of those encounters. Their most recent match-up was in the final of the 2025 French Open, where Gauff emerged victorious with a score of 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4, claiming her first French Open singles title and her second Grand Slam singles title overall.