Australian star Nick Kyrgios is set to face current WTA World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, in the fourth edition of the “Battle of the Sexes” game, which will be played on December 28, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
At the recent conference ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, Kyrgios, who is currently World No. 671, shared his thoughts while bringing out the preparation he has been doing, among other things.
Nick Kyrgios Sheds Light on His Mindset Ahead of the “Battle of the Sexes” Clash Against Aryna Sabalenka
The former World No. 13 has not played since the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where he competed in the doubles category alongside Frenchman Gaël Monfils. He faced early exits in his 2025 season tournaments, including the Australian Open, Indian Wells Masters, and the Miami Open.
One of the reasons for his premature departures is his wrist issues, which have caused limitations in his play over the last two seasons. In 2023, he underwent complete wrist reconstruction surgery, and after full recovery, he returned to the court in late 2024.
However, he had managed to return to the action with the Dubai showdown. During the press conference, the Canberra native reflected that he is nervous and highly excited to play against one of the biggest stars of the WTA.
He added while highlighting their clash at the grand stage, “I mean, look, I think both of us have played on the biggest stages around the world. I mean, she’s a Grand Slam champion. I’ve played in some amazing matches, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous, and I’m just super excited to get out there tomorrow night. I know that the whole world’s going to be watching.”
Kyrgios continued to mention his preparation and playfully highlighted how Sabalenka is trying to distract him. He expressed, “So, to be in a position where I don’t know what’s going to happen in the unknown, I’m super excited for it. But me and my team have been actually preparing really, really well. Aryna’s trying to distract me, you know, with some of the night life things here to do and everything, but I’m staying focused.”
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Makes Her Feelings Clear as Battle of the Sexes Clash With Nick Kyrgios Looms
Whereas Sabalenka is coming off another stellar season during which she secured the Year-End World No. 1 honours for the second time, clinched four titles, including the Grand Slam US Open, reached eight final rounds of tournaments, and posted a win-loss record of 63-12.
