Aryna Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios Set For A ‘battle Of The Sexes’ Match

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For nan first clip successful decades, location will beryllium an charismatic “Battle of nan Sexes” title successful tennis, marking nan 4th 1 successful history. The astir celebrated one, of course, is nan 1973 matchup betwixt Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which King won.

On Dec. 28 successful Dubai, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will look Nick Kyrgios successful this rendition of nan “Battle of nan Sexes”. Early expectations see Sabalenka winning beautiful dense handedly arsenic she’s coming disconnected a U.S. Open win, her 4th awesome title. Kyrgios, connected nan different hand, hasn’t played successful a master tournament since nan Miami Open successful March. He’s only played a fewer matches present and location nan past fewer seasons arsenic he’s been dealing pinch injuries.

"I person a batch of respect for Nick and his talent, but make nary mistake, I'm fresh to bring my A-game," Sabalenka said, via BBC.

Despite not playing overmuch successful caller years, Kyrgios is fresh for nan challenge.

"When nan world number 1 challenges you, you reply nan call. I've sewage monolithic respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a existent champion," Kyrgios said, via BBC. "But I've ne'er backed down from a challenge, and I'm not conscionable present to play, I'm present to entertain. This is what I unrecorded for."

When nan thought was primitively brought up a mates months ago, Kyrgios made headlines for his arguable comments astir Sabalenka and women’s tennis players successful general. Here’s what he said.

“Sabalenka is awesome, she’s specified a character… I deliberation she’s nan type of subordinate who genuinely believes she’s going to win,” Kyrgios said. "She is not gonna hit me. Do you really deliberation I person to effort 100%? I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing nan men's side. I’d opportunity for illustration 6-2 maybe.

“I’m not going to spell location and say, 'Oh, she’s truthful good, I can’t play this.' That would make maine look truthful bad. I’d ideate nan net would spell crazy—go bananas. I mean, our serves, women can’t really return those," Kyrgios besides claimed. "And past we tin conscionable spot and driblet shot. I deliberation I’m going to beryllium okay. I’m going to spell there, and I don’t want her to win. That’s for sure."

Sabalenka responded astatine nan clip successful a U.S. Open property convention by saying “I'll decidedly spell retired location and effort my champion to footwear his a--.”

This should beryllium an absorbing match.