Nick Kyrgios defends ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash with Aryna Sabalenka

Nick Kyrgios has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest stance has once again put him at the center of a heated tennis debate. Ahead of his much-discussed Battle of the Sexes exhibition against Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai, Kyrgios has openly called for more cross-gender showcase events, insisting they are not only harmless—but good for the sport.

The exhibition match, scheduled for Sunday, December 28, has drawn global attention and equally widespread criticism. While some fans see it as a fun, modern spectacle, others argue it adds little competitive value and risks undermining the achievements of women’s tennis. Kyrgios, however, has dismissed that narrative entirely.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on December 27, Nick Kyrgios said the backlash misses the bigger picture. According to the former Wimbledon finalist, the event represents something tennis desperately needs right now—unity.

“In 10 or 15 years, I’ll be proud of how I handled this,” Kyrgios said. “I think it simply signifies unity in the sport. There’s too much division, too much fighting, and not enough teamwork. Events like this show that we can do amazing things together.”

The phrase “Battle of the Sexes” inevitably draws comparisons to the iconic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs—a cultural moment that transcended sport. That contest, watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide, played a pivotal role in legitimizing women’s tennis and accelerating the push for equality and respect in the professional game.

The modern version, however, exists in a very different landscape. Women’s tennis no longer needs validation, and Sabalenka enters the matchup as the reigning world No. 1 and one of the most dominant players on tour. Still, many critics argue that pitting her against Kyrgios serves little purpose beyond entertainment, especially given Kyrgios’ polarizing reputation.

Nick Kyrgios says facing Aryna Sabalenka represents unity in tennis as he backs the controversial Battle of the Sexes event

Despite the noise, both players have stood firmly behind the event. Sabalenka, who enjoyed a standout season culminating in major success, has said she wants to use the platform to send a message to fellow women players—one of confidence, competitiveness, and fearlessness. The Belarusian star has made it clear that she intends to win, regardless of the exhibition format.

Kyrgios, for his part, has leaned into the moment. Known for his flair and unpredictability, he believes matches like this can attract new audiences and energize a sport that often struggles to break beyond its traditional fanbase. To him, innovation matters just as much as tradition.

“We’re entertainers,” Kyrgios said. “This sport needs different energy sometimes.” He also added that he feels well prepared to face Sabalenka and plans to bring “completely different energy” into the contest, suggesting fans should expect intensity rather than novelty.

The Australian’s comments reflect a broader belief that tennis must evolve to stay relevant in an era dominated by viral moments and crossover appeal. While purists remain skeptical, Kyrgios argues that visibility and conversation—even controversial ones—ultimately benefit the sport.

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Whether the match changes opinions remains to be seen. What is certain is that the Sabalenka–Kyrgios showdown has already succeeded in one area: getting people talking. For Kyrgios, that alone justifies its existence.

As tennis continues to balance tradition with innovation, the 2025 Battle of the Sexes may not redefine the sport—but it has reignited a conversation about what tennis can be in the modern age. And if Kyrgios has his way, it won’t be the last time fans see something like it.