Kyrgios boasts about beating Sabalenka in Battles of the Sexes rematch: “I find it funny that she thinks she can win”

Never one to shy away from the spotlight (or stir it), Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is once again making headlines with his trademark bravado.

The former Wimbledon finalist, currently ranked No. 651 in the ATP after a long hiatus, is set to face off against WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a high-profile exhibition match this January in Hong Kong.

A match with a twist

Dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes,” the event is a nod to the iconic showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in Atlanta in September 1973. But this modern-day version comes with a few tweaks: the court will be smaller, and players will be allowed only one serve per point—rules designed to level the playing field and add a fresh dynamic to the spectacle.

Kyrgios, never one to hold back, has already stirred debate with comments suggesting he won’t need to give “100%” to beat Sabalenka, because, as he see it: “She’s not going to beat me, do you seriously believe I have to play at 100% to win?"

From compliments to controversy

Kyrgios, spoke about the Battle of the Sexes clash with Sabalenka describing the Belorussian player as “incredible” and “definitely a character,” adding, “I’m really excited for this match.” But the conversation quickly took a familiar turn.

“She’s the kind of player who genuinely believes she’s going to win,” he told Bublik. “She’s not going to beat me. Do you really think I need to give 100%?”

He went on to predict a lopsided scoreline: “I’ll put in the effort because I’m representing you [Bublik] and men in general. I’ll probably win 6–2.”

Sly digs at the women’s game

Kyrgios didn’t stop there. He claimed his serve alone would be enough to dominate, adding, “Women don’t know how to return serve,” and suggested that a few drop shots would seal the deal. Bublik laughed and said he wouldn’t trust Kyrgios to represent men, but Kyrgios doubled down: “I’d pick you 100%. You know how to hit drop shots—they wouldn’t have a clue.”

Despite his confidence, Kyrgios admitted that losing would be a PR disaster. “The internet would go crazy. I’ll be fine—I’ll put in the effort. I definitely don’t want her to win.”

The comments have sparked backlash online, with many calling out Kyrgios for disrespecting the women’s game. Whether it’s trash talk or tactical mind games, one thing’s certain: this match is shaping up to be more than just an exhibition...

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