Aryna Sabalenka Defends “Battle of the Sexes” Match: “It Lifts Women’s Tennis, Not Damages It”

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has dismissed concerns that her upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition against Nick Kyrgios could harm the perception of women’s sports, framing it instead as a platform to showcase strength, entertainment, and progress.

The match, set for December 28th in Dubai and to be broadcast live by the BBC, revives the format made famous by Billie Jean King’s historic 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs. While some critics worry a loss could undermine the women’s game, Sabalenka is confident the event will only elevate it.

“I don’t agree that it’s damaging,” Sabalenka told BBC Sport. “I am not putting myself at any risk. We’re there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins.” She emphasized the broader mission: “This event is only going to help bring women’s tennis to a higher level.”

Sabalenka, who won her fourth Grand Slam at the US Open in September, enters the match as the in-form champion. Kyrgios, ranked 672nd, has played only five tour-level matches in 2025 as he recovers from persistent injuries.

The Belarusian star believes the pressure rests squarely on her opponent. “It’s not going to be an easy match for Nick,” she said. “He’s in a lose-lose situation. I’m in a win-win situation.”

The exhibition is the brainchild of the pair’s shared agent, Stuart Duguid, who said financial gain is “not what is driving this,” though both players will “do fine.” Instead, the goal is to capture public imagination and attract new audiences with high-level, entertainingly staged tennis.

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Kyrgios: “I’ve Grown and I’m More Mature Now”

Kyrgios has faced scrutiny over his suitability as the male representative, given his past controversies—including a 2021 assault conviction and history of misogynistic comments. When asked about the criticism, he acknowledged his past but stressed personal growth.

“Of course I understand it. But that’s what life is. You make comments when you’re younger and you change,” he said. “I’m not going to sit here and say I’m an amazing role model, but I’ve grown and I’m definitely more mature now.”

He added that he hasn’t considered whether a win might be weaponized by critics of women’s sports. “This is the only thing I’m good at—hitting a ball over a net and giving people a show.”

Both players view the match as an opportunity to reinvigorate tennis’s appeal. “Tennis doesn’t really have that razzmatazz often,” Kyrgios noted, “and when something like this occurs, it is pretty special.”

Sabalenka echoed the sentiment, framing it as progress, not regression: “We are helping tennis to grow. It’s fun, it’s challenging, and I think that’s what people want to see.”

Fifty-two years after Billie Jean King’s iconic win paved the way for equality, Sabalenka and Kyrgios aim not to reignite a gender war, but to celebrate how far the sport has come—all while putting on a show that they hope will be remembered for its excitement, not its controversy.

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