World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to face Australian star Nick Kyrgios for the fourth edition of the “Battle of the Sexes” match-up. The Belarusian sensation, who ended her season by reaching the title-winning round of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be competing against Kyrgios on December 28, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. She has recently expressed her views on the highly anticipated game.
Aryna Sabalenka Embraces ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Spotlight Ahead of Nick Kyrgios Showdown
Sabalenka has impressively wrapped up her 2025 season, clinching the Brisbane International, Miami Open, Madrid Open, and one Major title, the US Open. Along with her titles, she also reached eight final rounds and the WTA Finals, where she won the Year-End World No. 1 honours for the second time and lost the title to Russian-Kazakhstani star Elena Rybakina.
Whereas her opponent for the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match, Kyrgios, was last seen in action in July at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where he played in the men’s doubles category with Gaël Monfils. During her interview with Gulf News, the Minsk native expressed her excitement about her match against Kyrgios, whose wrist injuries have hindered his performance over the last two seasons.
While sharing her respect for Kyrgios, Sabalenka added, “I’m really excited. Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love. I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Before this edition, three ‘Battle of the Sexes’ matches had already been fought, the first one in 1973 between Margaret Court and Bobby Riggs, and the second in the same year between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The historic match was won by Jean King, elevating women’s tennis and women’s sports. The third was a battle between WTA legend Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors.
Ahead of the match, Sabalenka had shared playfully, “I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.” Furthermore, the WTA star also emphasised the significance of Jean King’s contribution, adding, “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 of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.” (via The Guardian)
Apart from her significant on-court and off-court endeavours, Jean King had uplifted women’s tennis by defeating Riggs at Houston’s Astrodome with 30,000 people in attendance and millions watching on television.
