Aryna Sabalenka has promised to “kick Nick Kyrgios’ a**” when the two stars meet in a high-profile ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match.
The contest was announced in July, though no date or venue has yet been confirmed. Reports suggest the showdown could take place in Hong Kong early next year.
Sabalenka, currently world No 2, is in strong form at the US Open and booked her place in the final with a win over Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
The 27-year-old will face Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s showpiece at Flushing Meadows as she continues her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title.
Aryna Sabalenka recently battled her way into the final of the US Open
| REUTERSKyrgios, in contrast, has endured an extended period of frustration.
The Australian has struggled with persistent injury problems and has played in just one Grand Slam since 2022.
His only appearance this year came at the Australian Open in January, where he was beaten in the first round. He has since missed Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Asked about the proposed match during her press duties in New York, Sabalenka welcomed the concept.
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“Well I think it’s a cool idea, you know. It’s going to be spectacular to watch, it’s going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick,” she said.
“Like he said in another interview, that I genuinely think I’m going to win.
"And I’ll definitely go out there and try my best to kick his a**.
"It’s going to be a good thing if I beat him. For now we are not sure about the place but if we’re going to bring it, we’re going to bring it to somewhere where there’s going to be a lot of people watching and we’re going to put a lot of pressure on Nick.”
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Nick Kyrgios has been plagued by injury issues in 2025
| PATo balance the matchup, organisers will introduce modified rules.
Kyrgios will be restricted to a single serve instead of two and must aim into a smaller service box, designed to offset the natural advantages of the men’s game.
He has, however, has expressed confidence that he will come out on top.
Speaking on the Tea with Bublik podcast alongside Alexander Bublik, the 29-year-old said: “Sabalenka is awesome, she’s such a character.
"I think she’s the type of player who genuinely believes she’s going to win. She’s not going to beat me. Do you think I have to try 100 per cent?”
When asked if he would make full effort, Kyrgios replied: “Definitely, because I’m representing the men’s side.
"I’m going to try, I don’t want her to win. I’d say like 6-2, maybe.”
The idea of a modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ inevitably recalls the famous clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973, when King defeated the former men’s world No 1 in Houston in a landmark moment for gender equality in sport.
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Aryna Sabalenka has been in imperious form at the US Open so far | REUTERSWhile Sabalenka vs Kyrgios will be played as an exhibition, the matchup has already generated attention for its blend of competitive intrigue and entertainment value.
For Sabalenka, the immediate priority remains her US Open final.
But beyond New York, her duel with Kyrgios promises to be one of the most talked-about spectacles of the tennis calendar in 2025.