Nick Kyrgios finally is getting a chance to put his game where his mouth is.
The Australian, a frequent critic of women’s tennis, will meet women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in an exhibition Dec. 28 in Dubai.
It will be the fourth so-called “Battle of the Sexes” among tennis players. Billie Jean King helped to popularize women’s tennis when she defeated Bobby Riggs in three sets in 1973.
The Kyrgios-Sabalenka match was organized by Evolve, the agency that represents both players.
While Sabalenka is in top form, Kyrgios has played in just four 2025 tournaments and is 1-4. Ranked as high as No. 13 in 2016, injuries have forced his ranking to plummet to No. 652.
Speaking this year on a podcast with Alexander Bublik, ranked No. 13, Kyrgios said “women can’t return our serves.”
Sabalenka hopes to prove the 30-year-old Australian wrong. She has won four titles this year, including the U.S. Open for her fourth Grand Slam win.
And Kyrgios appears to be ready.
“When the world No 1 challenges you, you answer the call,” he said.
“I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play. I’m here to entertain.”
Sabalenka, a 27-year old from Belarus, said she is happy to take the torch from the other women who have participated in Battle of the Sexes matches.
“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” she said. “I’m proud to represent women’s tennis.”
In other similar competitions, Riggs defeated Margaret Court in two sets in 1973 and Jimmy Connors beat Martina Navratilova in straight sets in 1992.
–Field Level Media
