Aryna Sabalenka Embraces the ‘Expectations’ Factor Ahead of the Battle of Sexes Clash Against Nick Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka recently celebrated 70 weeks as World No.1.

Aryna Sabalenka Embraces the ‘Expectations’ Factor Ahead of the Battle of Sexes Clash Against Nick Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/HQ pics)

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If tennis fans expected the season to wind down quietly with players taking a well-earned break, they were mistaken. The 2025 calendar wraps up with a unique exhibition that’s capturing global attention, a one-off “Battle of the Sexes” showdown between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka.

The “Battle of the Sexes” concept returns more than five decades after its iconic 1973 debut, this time featuring two of tennis’ most polarizing figures. Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka arrive in contrasting form, yet anticipation for their Dubai exhibition is at fever pitch. Speaking to Gulf News, Sabalenka admitted that while the expectations are high, she has learned to embrace the pressure rather than fear it.

Of course there’s pressure, but it’s also a privilege. Being number one means you’re doing something right. I’ve learned to accept that pressure instead of fearing it. I trust my preparation, my team, and my game, and that helps me stay focused when expectations are high.

Sabalenka is the current World No. 1 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, dominating the tour for the last few seasons. Meanwhile, Kyrgios is currently ranked 673 in the world and hasn’t played any competitive tennis since the Miami Masters.

Aryna Sabalenka looks forward to the Battle of Sexes Clash

Aryna Sabalenka herself admitted that Nick Kyrgios is one of the most “talented and unpredictable” players in the history of the sport. The Australian is one of the few players to beat all members of the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic). She added:

I’m really excited. Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in tennis, and he brings an intensity and entertainment that fans love. I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun, and played on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.

Nick Kyrgios, Aryna Sabalenka
Nick Kyrgios, Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/HQ VITA, Aryna Sabalenka Archive)

Kyrgios’ most significant moment in his career came at Wimbledon in 2022, where he lost the finals to Djokovic in four sets. The Australian got a walkover in the semifinals after Nadal withdrew due to an abdominal injury.

Outside of that, the Australian has had so many memorable matches. At SW19 in 2014, he stunned Nadal in four sets to achieve one of his biggest victories.

The rules are stacked

The Battle of the Sexes isn’t standard tennis. The organizers, clearly aware of the mismatch, have tweaked the rules to level the playing field.

Aryna Sabalenka (4)
Aryna Sabalenka (Image via X/Wimbledon)

First, Aryna Sabalenka receives a court that is reduced in size by nine percent. That might not sound like much, but in a game of inches, that’s a massive defensive advantage. It means she can cover the court faster, and Kyrgios’ winners have to be that much more precise.

Kyrgios, meanwhile, has to land his first serve, or he loses the point. There is no safety net. This rule alone could hand the match to Sabalenka on a silver platter. Plus, if they split sets, it goes to a 10-point tie-break, which is basically a coin toss with rackets.

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