Aryna Sabalenka Looks to Follow Billie Jean King’s Footsteps in the Battle of Sexes Clash Against Nick Kyrgios
Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will face each other in an exhibition match in Dubai on December 28.
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Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios, and Billie Jean King (via X/TNT Sports/The Tennis Letter)
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Aryna Sabalenka is set to take on Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition tournament in Dubai, which has now been dubbed the second part of the famous Battle of the Sexes, which was famously played back in 1973. Billie Jean King won the match against Bobby Riggs and Sabalenka is hoping to follow her footsteps against Kyrgios.
Sabalenka is currently World No.1 in the WTA rankings, while Kyrgios is ranked World No.652nd in the ATP. Kyrgios has not played a tour-level match since losing the second round of the Miami Open in March. In fact, in recent months he has hinted that he may likely retire from professional tennis as he continues to struggle with injuries.
He reached a career-high of World No.13 in 2016, but since then has struggled to reach a higher mark in the men’s circuit. He has only played five matches this year since retiring from a severe wrist injury that kept him out of the court for 18 months. While Sabalenka will compete against the 30-year-old as the reigning US Open champion.
Since the Open Era in tennis, there has only been three official Battle of the Sexes clashes. The first took place in 1973, between Bobby Riggs and Australia’s Margaret Court, which the former won. But Jean King earned revenge for the women four months later. The third tie came in 1992, when Jimmy Connors beat Martina Navratilova under hybrid rules.
Sabalenka and Kyrgios’ clash will be the fourth official Battle of the Sexes match in the Open Era. In an interview with BBC Sports, Sabalenka revealed that she hopes to follow the footsteps of Jean King when she faces Kyrgios. The 27-year-old added that she will bring her A-game when they meet on December 28 in Dubai:
I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game. I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take on the iconic Battle of the Sexes match. I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game. I can’t wait to step on that court at the Coca-Cola Arena and put on an incredible show for the fans.
Sabalenka is currently competing at the WTA Finals, where she’s seeking to win her fifth title of the season. She has dominated the women’s circuit this year, reaching eight tour-level finals, more than any player this season. She claimed her first Grand Slam of the year at the US Open after beating Amanda Anisimova.
Nick Kyrgios says he’s not backing down from Aryna Sabalenka’s challenge
Nick Kyrgios is known for his outspoken nature on tour and has, on several occasions, been criticized for it. However, he has never backed down from it. He earned his best run in a Grand Slam in 2022, reaching the Wimbledon Championship final before losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets.
Ahead of the Battle of the Sexes clash with Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian star is already relishing his chances of beating the Belarusian. He revealed during the aforementioned interview that he’s not backing down from the challenge and hopes to entertain the crowd in Dubai:
When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play, I’m here to entertain. This is what I live for.
Kyrgios has done well to remain relevant in tennis despite not playing on tour for eight months. He has constantly shown his love to be in the spotlight at any time he has a chance. Recently, he made waves for criticizing Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension for twice testing positive for clostebol.
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