Aryna Sabalenka will face Nick Kyrgios next month: the 21st century's 'Battle of the Sexes'

06/11/2025 07:28:00 pandatv

Aryna Sabalenka is set to compete against Nick Kyrgios. The world’s top female player will go up against a former Wimbledon finalist. After a 33-year hiatus, the concept of the "Battle of the Sexes" is making a comeback in the tennis world.

The Coca Cola Arena in Dubai on December 28 will witness a unique event in tennis history as the organizers have confirmed the showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios. This is more than just an exhibition match; it is expected to draw millions of eyes and ignite spirited discussions.

Sabalenka calls, Kyrgios answers

The male-female battle that shook the world in 1973, when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in front of over 30,000 spectators in Houston, symbolized gender equality in sports. This time, the idea and organization of the Sabalenka-Kyrgios match came from Stuart Duguid, representing both players through the company Evolve. It also represents a massive earning opportunity for both Sabalenka and Kyrgios, although the appearance fees have not been disclosed.

"I have immense respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for women’s tennis," said Aryna Sabalenka, 27. "I am proud to represent women’s tennis and take part in a modern version of this iconic 'Battle of the Sexes' match. I deeply respect Nick’s talent, but make no mistake, I am ready to bring my highest level of play." In response, Nick Kyrgios declared: "When the world number one challenges you, you have to answer. I have great respect for Aryna because she’s a machine and a true champion. But I never shy away from a challenge, and I’m not just here to compete, I’m here to entertain."

The gender battle between Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios carries great anticipation

Nick Kyrgios, 30, is currently experiencing the worst form of his career due to a prolonged wrist injury since the Wimbledon 2022 final. He played only five matches in 2025, with his last appearance at the Miami Open in March, and hinted that the 2026 Australian Open might be his final tournament before retirement. Yet, the Australian "bad boy" remains arrogantly confident.

In the September podcast "Tea with Bublik," he bluntly told Alexander Bublik: "She can’t beat me. Do you really think I need to give 100%?"

“I’ll try because I represent the men, but I think I’ll win 6-2.” When asked about the technical differences between men and women, Kyrgios replied: “When we serve, women can’t return. Then a chip, a drop shot, and it’s over.”

Biological differences and past "men vs women" matches

The biological physical differences between men and women are undeniable. John Isner holds the record for the fastest serve at 157.2 mph (252.667 km/h), while the female record is 131 mph (210.824 km/h) by Sabine Lisicki.

Therefore, previous "Battle of the Sexes" matches applied adjusted rules for fairness. In 1973, Riggs (55 years old, retired) lost to King (29 years old) 4-6, 3-6, 3-6. Notably, four months earlier, Riggs had beaten Margaret Court (30 years old) 6-2, 6-1. In 1992, Jimmy Connors (40) defeated Martina Navratilova (35) 7-5, 6-2. Interestingly, Connors was allowed only one serve per point, while Navratilova had half the doubles court width.

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