Nick Kyrgios Sparks Debate With an Astonishing Prediction on his ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Matchup Against Aryna Sabalenka

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka will play the 'Battle of Sexes' match in January 2026.

Nick Kyrgios Sparks Debate With an Astonishing Prediction on his ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Matchup Against Aryna Sabalenka

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka (via Punto de Break)

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Nick Kyrgios has given his thoughts on a planned “Battle of the Sexes” match against Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s world No. 1. The Australian has missed much of 2025 through injury, sitting out Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. His last ATP singles match came back in March, but he is preparing for a comeback with this high-profile exhibition.

The idea of facing Sabalenka was first mentioned in July, with both players represented by the same agency. Kyrgios suggested that Hong Kong could host the event later in the year. Speaking recently on Alexander Bublik’s new podcast, he described Sabalenka as “awesome” and “a character,” but confidently stated that she would not beat him.

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 she can win. Do you really think she can beat me? He’s not going to do it. Do you really think I’m going to have to play 100%? I will try to be focused because I represent the men, I think I will win 6-2.

Although the match is yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to be scheduled between late October and early November, around the time of the ATP event in Hong Kong. If it goes ahead, it would be one of the most unique showcases of the season, drawing attention beyond the regular tour.

Kyrgios also revealed that the exhibition will feature unusual rules. The contest will be played in four eight-minute quarters, with the first to win three taking the match. There will also be just one serve allowed, and the service boxes will be smaller than usual, adding an extra twist to the challenge.

Aryna Sabalenka seeks history at the US Open

Aryna Sabalenka lifted the US Open trophy in 2024 and will look to repeat the feat in 2025. Only nine women have managed to defend the title in the Open Era, and it has been more than a decade since anyone achieved the milestone. The last to do so was Serena Williams in 2014. Sabalenka now has the chance to join an exclusive group of champions.

Aryna Sabalenka (via X/Ground Press)
Aryna Sabalenka (via X/Ground Press)

The first player to retain the crown in New York was Margaret Court in 1969 and 1970. Billie Jean King followed with her own back-to-back titles in 1971 and 1972. Chris Evert went on to dominate the mid-1970s with four consecutive victories, while Martina Navratilova added two successful defenses during her career. Each of them set the standard for consistency at the event.

Steffi Graf managed the achievement twice, winning in both 1988–89 and again in 1995–96. Monica Seles claimed consecutive titles in 1991 and 1992 before her career was disrupted by her stabbing. Venus Williams joined the list by winning in 2000 and 2001, defeating Lindsay Davenport and then her sister Serena in the finals. Kim Clijsters also earned her place in history when she defended her 2009 title with another win in 2010.

Serena Williams remains the most recent player to defend the crown. She captured the title in 2012, 2013, and 2014, matching Evert’s record of six US Open trophies. Since then, no woman has been able to repeat. For Sabalenka, successfully defending her title in 2025 would put her among the legends of the sport and end an 11-year wait for another back-to-back champion in New York.

Nick Kyrgios supports Stefanos Tsitsipas after US Open outburst

Stefanos Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, exited the US Open in the second round after a five-set loss to Daniel Altmaier. The Greek star grew frustrated during the match, clashing with the German over his repeated use of the underarm serve. Altmaier stayed focused and advanced, while Tsitsipas faced criticism for both his defeat and his reaction.

Nick Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios (Image via X/Tennis Australia)

Soon after, an Instagram page mocked Tsitsipas by joking that “the haters” were right about him never winning a major title. Surprisingly, Nick Kyrgios came to his defense. Kyrgios reminded critics that Tsitsipas has already earned more than $30 million and built a strong career, dismissing the negativity aimed at him.

The support was unexpected given the pair’s rocky past. Their 2022 Wimbledon clash was heated, with Tsitsipas calling Kyrgios a “bully” after losing a tense match. The fallout continued when Tsitsipas later criticized Kyrgios’ playing style in the Netflix series Break Point. His comments, which referenced an “NBA basketball attitude,” drew backlash and accusations of racism. He later clarified his remarks, and Kyrgios accepted the explanation.

Now Kyrgios’ public defense suggests the two have found a new level of respect. Both also share Greek heritage, with Tsitsipas born in Athens and Kyrgios proudly acknowledging his Greek father despite growing up in Australia. Fans often highlight this connection, and Kyrgios’ words carried a sense of solidarity beyond sport, showing how even fierce rivals can find common ground.

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