Nick Kyrgios has declared he won’t need to “try 100 per cent” to beat world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a planned “battle of the sexes” match in Hong Kong before the Australian Open.
Speaking in a YouTube interview with Alexander Bublik, the 30-year-old said Sabalenka was “not going to beat me,” adding: “Our serves… women can’t return, and then we can just chip and drop shot.”
🇦🇺🇧🇾👇 Nick Kyrgios confirms that he will play a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match against Aryna Sabalenka, during the first week of January:
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 2, 2025
“I'm very excited about that match, she has a great personality and she's a great tennis player.
“I find it funny that, really, she thinks… pic.twitter.com/blPiKpxUr4
Kyrgios, who has not played singles since March, said he was excited for the clash with the three-time grand slam champion, though admitted earlier this year he had been “nervous” about facing her “in her absolute prime.”
The January match is expected to feature modified rules, including one serve per player and a smaller court.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
