Aug 31, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory over Cristina Bucsa of Spain in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

tennis

‘She’s Not Gonna Beat Me’ – Aryna Sabalenka Gets Blunt Message from Nick Kyrgios Ahead Of Their Battle of the Sexes Match

Sabalenka and Kyrgios to lock horns at the start of 2026.

One of the biggest debates in tennis for decades, has been about men and women competing against each other. Who will prevail in this battle? Men’s and women’s tennis, particularly at the majors, is relatively different. But with the newly introduced Mixed Doubles Championship hogging the limelight at the US Open, the debate rages on. In a latest development, former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios is set to take on WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the newest instalment of the “Battle of the Sexes”. And the Australian is already firing shots at the Belarusian.

Nick Kyrgios Gets Candid About Match-Up vs Aryna Sabalenka

Kyrgios recently appeared in an interview with Kazakh ATP star Alexander Bublik. The discussion eventually shifted towards Kyrgios’ upcoming match with Sabalenka at the start of 2026. While Sabalenka is the top ranked player in the women’s division, the 30-year-old Aussie has been out of action due to various injuries. Nonetheless, Kyrgios dismissed the idea of Sabalenka standing a chance to upset the odds.

Kyrgios on upcoming Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka

Bublik: “Are you gonna try?”

Nick. “She's not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100%? I'm gonna try. Because I'm representing the men's side… I’d say like 6-2 maybe”
pic.twitter.com/DaLoSpCuJF
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2025

“Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said. “I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she’s going to win.” However, after this praise, Kyrgios more or less shut down the possibility of a Sabalenka victory.

“She’s not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent,” asserted the Australian. During the course of his career so far, Kyrgios has a 206-118 record and reached a career-high of No. 13 in the world. “I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say [I’ll win] like 6-2 maybe,” he finished. Considering the controversial nature of his statements, Kyrgios will have a lot to prove while Sabalenka has nothing to lose.

The 1973 Battle Of the Sexes That Paved the Way for Women’s Tennis

In 1973, three-time Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs challenged the legendary Billie Jean King for an exhibition match. But when King refused to accept the challenge at first, Riggs faced Margaret Court instead – winning 6-2 6-1. After the win gave Riggs more ammunition to taunt the women’s circuit, the American icon accepted his initial offer.

Over 90 million people worldwide watched, as Billie Jean King faced Bobby Riggs in a winner-takes-all $100K ‘Battle of the Sexes’. King started on the back foot, and fell behind 3-2 after Riggs broke her serve. But within no time, she rose to the occasion and stormed back into the contest. Absorbing the magnitude of the encounter, King outplayed her opponent.

Billie Jean King used Riggs’ game against him, and drained him out physically by opting for baseline attacks over net play. Despite Riggs’ best efforts, King emerged triumphant with a straightforward 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 scoreline. With the whole world watching, it was a landmark moment in the growth and evolution of women’s tennis.

Can Aryna Sabalenka recreate Billie Jean King’s iconic win, over half a century later? Or will Nick Kyrgios justify his confidence? We can’t wait to find out!

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Aryna Sabalenka

ATP

Billie Jean King

Nick Kyrgios

Tennis

WTA

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.