Nick Kyrgios and the challenge to Aryna Sabalenka: the Belarusian’s sharp retort
Reaching the US Open final, which she will try to win for the second consecutive year, Aryna Sabalenka also spoke at a press conference in Flushing Meadows about the ‘battle of the sexes’ that will be staged in January 2026, an exhibition match that will see her take the court against Nick Kyrgios in a rare men’s and women’s tennis match.
The Belarusian was on her game and took up the provocation of Kyrgios, who guest on Alexander Bublik’s podcast predicted a comfortable 6-2 to be achieved without playing one hundred percent. “I think this match is a good idea, it will be spectacular and entertaining, especially because of Nick’s presence: for my part I don’t want to be an extra, I will certainly try to teach him a lesson”.
Then asked by the reporter if this kind of match would be good for women”s tennis, Sabalenka smiled: “It would be good for women”s tennis if I can beat him”. The venue for the match is not yet certain, although it is very likely that the location in January means that the match will be played in Australia, on the sidelines of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Kyrgios, speaking about Sabalenka in recent days, had said, “I am very excited about the match, she has a great personality and is a magnificent tennis player. It makes me laugh that she really thinks she can win. Do you really think she can beat me? She won’t be able to. Do you really think I will have to play at 100 percent? I will try to stay focused because I am representing men, I think I will win 6-2”.
