Aryna Sabalenka Faces Nick Kyrgios In Controversial 'Battle Of The Sexes' Sequel

In an event billed as tennis’s latest 'Battle of the Sexes', Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 1-ranked women’s tennis player in the world, will take on Nick Kyrgios, who’s currently ranked No. 673 on the men’s tour, on Sunday (December 28, 2025) in Dubai. “This is about respect, rivalry and reimagining what equality in sport can look like,” said Stuart Duguid, who, along with tennis great Naomi Osaka, co-founded Evolve, the sports agency putting on the event. “I’ll try my best to kick his ass,” Sabalenka said during a September 2025 press conference. “She’s not going to beat me,” Kyrgios responded. “Do you really think I have to try 100%?” Evolve has promoted the Dubai event as a sequel to the iconic 1973 “Battle of the Sexes,” in which Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs.

Updated on: 27 December 2025 5:39 pm

Published at: 27 December 2025 5:39 pm

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-1

Tennis players Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Nick Kyrgios of Australia face-off with the trophy during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

1/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-2

Tennis players Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Nick Kyrgios of Australia speak during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

2/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-3

Tennis players Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, left, and Nick Kyrgios of Australia pose with the trophy during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

3/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-4

Tennis player Nick Kyrgios of Australia speaks during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

4/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-5

Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus speaks during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

5/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-8

6/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-7

7/7

Aryna Sabalenka Vs Nick Kyrgios Emirates Battle of the Sexes Tennis-6

Tennis players Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, center left, and Nick Kyrgios of Australia, center right, speak during a press conference ahead of the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Fatima Shbair

Stay updated with the latest tennis news, live scores, match schedules, and exclusive coverage from the French Open 2026. Get real-time updates on cricket, IPL 2026 news, football, badminton, F1, and major sporting events worldwide, only on Outlook India.