Aryna Sabalenka is not hiding her confidence as she gears up for the much-hyped Battle of the Sexes exhibition against Nick Kyrgios. Moments after overcoming Naomi Osaka in a tense third-set tiebreak, the World No. 1 made it clear she already likes her chances against the Australian star.
Asked about their upcoming showdown in Dubai, Sabalenka laughed and delivered a bold prediction, saying she fully expects to win and does not even need to scout Kyrgios’ matches to feel prepared.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Postmatch Statement Elevates the Anticipation Around the Event
The comment added another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing set of events scheduled for the 2025 offseason. Sabalenka and Osaka are part of the inaugural Atlanta Cup, a one-night exhibition debuting Dec. 6, 2025, at Gas South Arena in Atlanta.
The lineup featured four major stars: four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka and World No. 1 Sabalenka on the women’s side, and Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios and Atlanta native Ben Shelton on the men’s side.
Osaka and Sabalenka played a women’s singles match, while Shelton and Kyrgios faced each other in men’s singles. The event also featured a mixed doubles match, with Sabalenka partnering with Shelton and Osaka teaming up with Kyrgios.
Sabalenka’s post-match remarks came after a gritty win over Osaka, where she was pressed about her upcoming exhibition in Dubai against Kyrgios on December 28, 2025. Rather than sidestep the question, the Belarusian leaned straight into the rivalry, saying, “I know I’m gonna win that one, so I don’t even have to be there and watch his game. Come on.”
How Is Nick Kyrgios Approaching His Battle of the Sexes Duel With Sabalenka?
In an exchange with fellow pro Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios shed light on his approach to the upcoming showdown. He spoke highly of the World No. 1, yet his natural competitive streak surfaced quickly. “She’s awesome, by the way. Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character. I’m super excited for that. She’s the type of player, she genuinely thinks she can win,” he said.
MORE: ‘Hope Nick Kyrgios Going to Just WIthdraw’ — Aryna Sabalenka Gives Hilarious Take on Battle of the Sexes Match Against Aussie
When Bublik teased him about whether he would genuinely try to win, Kyrgios offered an unfiltered response. “She’s not gonna beat me, I’m gonna try; I’ll be representing you, the men’s side.”
The Dubai event will revive the historical weight of the iconic 1973 Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs match, a showdown that became symbolic in the fight for gender equality in sports. Sabalenka enters the Dubai exhibition on Dec. 28, at the Coca-Cola Arena as the dominant force in women’s tennis, while Kyrgios, despite battling injuries and a lower ranking, remains one of the sport’s most entertaining and unpredictable competitors.
AloJapan.com