Nick Kyrgios dismissive of Aryna Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ redux: “Do you think I have to try?”

NEW YORK — Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka—two of the most charismatic players on the ATP and WTA Tours—are set to meet for a modern “Battle of the Sexes” early next year, and the trash talk has already started.

A nod to the historic 1973 match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King, the exhibition will take place in Hong Kong during the ATP 250 event in that kicks off the new season in January 2026.

Much like Riggs before his fateful clash with King, Kyrgios hasn’t wasted any time in stirring the pot.

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“Sabalenka is awesome, she’s such a character… I think she’s the type of player who genuinely believes she’s going to win,” Kyrgios said with a smile.

Currently sidelined from the US Open with injury, Kyrgios joined fellow player Alexander Bublik on First & Red’s “Tea with Bublik.” Bublik, who recorded a one-sided defeat to Jannik Sinner in the US Open fourth round, asked Kyrgios if he would “actually try” against Sabalenka, considering the possible ‘political’ implications for women’s tennis depending on the outcome.

The Australian sounded confident that he wouldn’t need to worry about that: “She’s not going to beat me… Do you think I have to try 100 percent?”

Kyrgios first announced the Battle of the Sexes idea on social media back in July, revealing it was something he and Sabalenka had been discussing for a while. The exhibition will come with a few twists: Kyrgios will only get one serve, and his side of the court will be smaller.

As the interview went on, Kyrgios seemed to come around and confirmed that he didn’t intend to give Sabalenka a walkover:

“Definitely, because I’m representing the men’s side,” Kyrgios said, prompting Bublik to joke: “I would not pick you to represent us against her!”

Kyrgios doubled down, even predicting a lopsided outcome. “I’m going to try, I don’t want her to win… I’d say like 6-2, maybe.”

She’s not going to beat me… Do you think I have to try 100 percent?

Bublik and Kyrgios agreed the internet would “go crazy” no matter the result—and they weren’t wrong. The Aussie’s comments have already sparked plenty of online reaction, ranging from support to criticism over the perceived disrespect toward Sabalenka and women’s tennis.

Kyrgios, 1-4 on the season, hasn’t played since the Miami Open due to a lingering wrist injury, leaving his tennis future uncertain. At 6’4” with one of the biggest serves in men’s tennis, he’ll look to lean on that weapon against Sabalenka.

Sabalenka, the current WTA world No. 1, is a three-time Grand Slam champion and the reigning US Open titleholder. She brings her own formidable serve and explosive baseline game to the matchup.

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At the US Open, Sabalenka was set to play Marketa Vondrousova in the quarterfinals, but advanced when Vondrousova withdrew hours before their night-session meeting on Arthur Ashe Stadium. She will now face No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula on Thursday.