'Don't know what to expect': Kyrgios, Sabalenka prepare for 'unpredictable' battle of the sexes clash
- Christian Montegan
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Fifty-two years since that iconic battle of the sexes match in Houston between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, the stage is set for Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka to create their own piece of history.
An estimated 90 million viewers tuned in to watch the great Billie Jean King defeat Riggs in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) in what was a watershed moment for women's tennis and women's sport.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the highly anticipated showdown in Dubai, world No.1 Sabalenka believes that the motives are different this time around.
"[Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs] were trying to fight for different things. We're here to bring tennis to another level, and to bring attention to our sport, to help our sport grow," she said.
"I feel like women have already proved that we deserve equal, and tomorrow, I'll just show that we are capable of putting up a great fight against a man and have fun."
In the build-up to the event, Sabalenka and Kyrgios have shared light-hearted banter in an attempt to promote one of the most hyped tennis exhibitions in recent memory.
Former world No.18 Francisco Clavet admitted that Sabalenka "has no chance" against Kyrgios.
"For me, this Sabalenka-Kyrgios match is a marketing ploy. It's something prepared for the show, for the spectacle, but if we're talking purely about sport, I think there's no contest. If Kyrgios plays and intends to win, it's practically impossible for him to lose to Sabalenka," Clavet told CLAY and RG Media.
"In a normal situation, Sabalenka has no chance against Kyrgios. It's true that Kyrgios is a player who gets distracted and is always doing silly things and playing games, and here, as it's a show, he'll do even more. That gives Sabalenka the opportunity to win more games than if she were facing another ATP player."
Meanwhile, two-time major winner Garbiñe Muguruza confessed that she wouldn't beat a junior in her prime.
Despite the Australian being heavily favoured by the bookmakers, his opponent isn't sure which way the match will go.
"This event is really unpredictable, and I don't know what to expect," Sabalenka told reporters.
"That's what I love because this is the feeling you chase when you play sport, these unpredictable situations, and I love to challenge myself. For me, it's a huge challenge, especially playing Nick, the guy who's unpredictable and crazy.
"That's great training for me, and that's a great message to the girls out there. I hope they're going to watch, and they're going to see how strong and tough I am to have the guts to challenge myself to play against the guy."
Kyrgios, who currently sits outside the world's top 650 due to several injuries over the years, is pleading for tennis to come together and unite.
"There's too much division and too much fighting and not enough teamwork," he said. "So, regardless of the outcome, obviously, I'm not saying I don't want to win, but I want to win.
"I think it shows that we can do some pretty incredible things together in sport."
The former Wimbledon finalist added: "Both of us have played in grand stadiums all over the world. She is a Grand Slam champion. I have played incredible matches, but I would be lying if I said I'm not a bit nervous.
"I can't wait to step on the court. I know the whole world will be watching us. Aryna has tried to distract me with the nightlife here, but I remain focused."
Battle of the sexes rules:
Best of three sets (match tiebreak to 10 points if required)
Both players get one serve each
Sabalenka's side of the court will be nine per cent smaller
The contest will take place at the 17,000 capacity Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, December 29, 3am AEDT, live on Stan Sport.
The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.
Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open.Â
The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić and a special guest appearance Daniela Hantuchová. More to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets on sale now through Ticketek/www.kooyongclassic.com.au
Hospitality packages can be viewed on the Kooyong Classic website and purchased by contacting info@kooyongclassic.com.au.
