Aryna Sabalenka is adamant her post-Christmas ‘battle of the sexes’ style clash with Nick Kyrgios is not going to turn out to be a meaningless gimmick that harms women’s sport.
The Belarusian, a four-time Grand Slam champion and world number one, defended her competition against world number 672 Australia on December 28, saying it would help take women’s tennis to the next level.
And the two-time Australian Open winner is confident that whatever the outcome of the match in Dubai, there will be a true winner.
“He’s in a lose-lose situation,” Sabalenka said of injured former Australian Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios. “I’m in a win-win situation.”
In an interview with the BBC, which itself faced criticism in Britain for its decision to broadcast the event, Sabalenka rejected suggestions that women’s football would be demeaned in the event of a defeat.
“I disagree,” she said. “I’m not taking any risks. We’re here to have fun and bring good tennis. Whoever wins, wins.”
“It’s so obvious that men are biologically stronger than women, but it’s not about that. This event will only help take women’s tennis to the next level.”
Nick Kyrgios insists he is not afraid of losing to Aryna Sabalenka. (Getty Images: Mark Metcalfe)
This view was contradicted by many critics, including famous British television tennis presenter Catherine Whitaker, who called the event a “publicity dog whistle”.
She was also particularly scathing of Kyrgios’ role, saying: “I see absolutely nothing to gain for women’s tennis – all I see is discouragement.
“It’s a crass commercial enterprise and a vehicle for one of tennis’ most virulent misogynists who just wants attention.”
This match echoes the famous Battle of the Sexes match from 1973, when pioneer Billie Jean King defeated 55-year-old former Grand Slam winner Bobby Riggs in front of 90 million viewers.
Four months earlier, Riggs had also defeated Australian star Margaret Court in a similar if more low-key match in Ramona, California.
But Kyrgios, unlike Riggs, is still an active Tour player even though he has played virtually no tennis in 2025 due to injuries.
“It’s not going to be an easy match for Nick,” Sabalenka said. “I’m going to be there to compete and show that women are strong, powerful and good entertainment.”
Kyrgios’ participation was also criticized as he admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and had to distance himself last year from influencer Andrew Tate after sharing one of the self-proclaimed misogynist’s posts.
But he told BBC Sport he was a different person now, adding: “You do comments when you’re younger and you change.”
“I’m not going to sit here and say I’m an amazing role model, but I’ve grown up and I’m definitely more mature now.”
He also insisted he wasn’t worried about losing to Sabalenka. “It’s all a bonus. I’ve lost tennis matches before, so it’s not really a big deal,” he shrugged.
PAA
