Sabalenka issues warning to Kyrgios ahead of Battle of the Sexes: 'Kick his ass'

Saturday, 06 September 2025 at 00:25

byJordan Reynolds

Aryna Sabalenka was asked about the planned 'Battle of the Sexes' match between her and Nick Kyrgios, and came out with some fighting talk after recent remarks from the Australian.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios's contest would be the fourth significant iteration of the concept. The previous matches occurred between Margaret Court and Bobby Riggs, Billie Jean King and Riggs, and Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors.

The 1992 encounter between the then 35-year-old Navratilova and 40-year-old Connors included rule changes, such as Connors only having one serve and Navratilova hitting into some of the doubles alleys.

Kyrgios has said similar changes will be made in his match against Sabalenka, such as both having only one serve and the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up hitting on a smaller court than the WTA world No. 1.

Despite those modifications in Sabalenka's favor, Kyrgios dismissed her chances of winning in a recent interview with Alexander Bublik. The Australian claimed he will not need to be at 100% when they play on a currently unspecified date.

Sabalenka was asked about facing Kyrgios during a 2025 US Open press conference. The three-time Grand Slam champion is aware of Kyrgios's remarks to Bublik, and said she will try as hard as possible to win.

"I think it's a cool idea. It's going to be spectacular to watch, it's going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick. He said in another interview that I genuinely think I'm going to win. I'll definitely go out there and try my best to kick his ass."

Another reporter followed up by asking Sabalenka if facing Kyrgios in a Battle of the Sexes match will be good for women's tennis. The 27-year-old said it would be if she wins, and wants to put pressure on Kyrgios to perform.

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"It's going to be a good thing if I'm able to beat him(laughs). But, for now, we are not sure about the place. Definitely, if we are going to bring it, it will be to somewhere with a lot of people watching, and we're going to put a lot of pressure on Nick."

In the interview with Bublik, Kyrgios promised to try in the match because he will represent the ATP side. It would be very embarrassing if he lost to Sabalenka while trying after dismissing her chances.

Sabalenka is one victory from a second US Open title

Sabalenka's semifinal triumph against Jessica Pegula was one of the US Open's best matches. The Belarusian played superbly and saved several break points in the deciding set to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday evening.

Pegula must feel unlucky. She lost this match and last year's US Open final to Sabalenka despite performing excellently in both contests. The American could have prevailed in either match if the world No. 1 was slightly below her best.

Sabalenka will play Amanda Anisimova in Saturday's final. They met in a fiery 2025 Wimbledon semifinal, which Anisimova won in three sets. Sabalenka was angered by some of her opponent's behavior, including not apologizing for a net cord.