WTA Ace Makes Feelings Known on Controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka finished the 2025 season with four titles, which she won from nine finals.

WTA Ace Makes Feelings Known on Controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match Between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios (Image via X/Aryna Sabalenka Archive, Jose Morgado)

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The tennis season has ended, but Aryna Sabalenka will be in action toward the end of this month. On December 28, Naomi Osaka‘s agency, Evolve, will host the much-awaited Battle of the Sexes on December 28 in Dubai.

Many from the tennis community don’t think a man versus woman in the 21st century is needed because, if it had been held 150 years ago, it would have held some value. Amid different opinions regarding the exhibition event, WTA ace from Italy, Martina Trevisan, gave her take on the same.

Yeah, Aryna is going to play Nick. He said, ‘You have to be scared of me,’ and Aryna answered, showing a lot of confidence. I will cheer for Aryna, of course. I think when there are smiles and good behaviour, it’s always good, not only for sport, but for people. It’s going to be fun.

Martina Trevisan said (via RG Media)

The former World No.18 played just two main draw matches on the WTA Tour this year. She finished her season after losing her opening round match at the WTA 125K Buenos Aires.

Kyrgios, on the other hand, ended his season at the Citi Open, where he played doubles with France’s Gael Monfils. The Aussie won just one match this year, at the Miami Open, after making his comeback post an 18-month injury layoff at the Brisbane International. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist featured in just five tournaments this year.

Emma Raducanu says playing against Aryna Sabalenka gave her confidence

Most of the time, fitness and form issues have marred Emma Raducanu‘s campaigns. This year as well, it was no different.

Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Raducanu (4)
Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Raducanu (Image via X/The Tennis Channel, Aryna Sabalenka Picks)

But Raducanu now stands on the No.29 spot on the rankings table thanks to her Grand Slam performance and deep runs in several events. The Brit made the third rounds of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, while at the French Open, she reached the second round.

Raducanu, in fact, also progressed to the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, where eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula knocked her out. It was, nevertheless, her best performance since her 2021 US Open run as the 23-year-old won four consecutive matches in a single tournament.

At Wimbledon, Raducanu had a set point against Aryna Sabalenka. Although the match ended in straight sets, it gave a lot of confidence to the one-time Grand Slam champion about her abilities.

When you play No.1, they’re No.1 for a reason, so they can come up with an unbelievable drop shot on set point. But pushing Aryna to those lengths it did give me confidence. More than half the battle, when you’re playing someone like that, is the belief and just playing the ball, not necessarily playing her.

Emma Raducanu told reporters (H/T: The i)

Raducanu was pitted against the World No.1 for the third time this year, in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. The match was a tight affair and could have ended in either player’s favor. In the crucial moments, Sabalenka prevailed.

You want to win Wimbledon, that’s the goal for everyone. But other than that, I think I am pretty realistic.

Emma Raducanu added

At Wimbledon, Raducanu produced her best when she reached the fourth round in 2021 and 2024. Sabalenka has yet to progress to the final at SW19, with her best performance being three semifinal appearances, including this year (lost the match to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova).

The Belarusian finished the season with four titles from nine finals, including the US Open, which she won by defeating home favorite Anisimova. In her final match, she suffered a heartbreaking straight-set defeat at the hands of Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals.

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