Aryna Sabalenka wants to show 'women are powerful' with win in Battle of the Sexes against Nick Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka earned $15,008,519, the highest single-season prize money in WTA history.

The much-anticipated “battle of the sexes” exhibition match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios is set to take place on December 28, Sunday, in Dubai.

The match is being hailed as a modern-day revival of the historic 1973 clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which ended with a female victory. However, this time, can the current WTA World No. 1 Sabalenka replicate that success? “Yes”, she is confident.

“I’m also kind of like, you know, I’m in a win-win situation, but I’m also stressed because I want to win,” Sabalenka told the BBC ahead of the exhibition. “We’re there to have fun, to bring great tennis.”

But behind the fun, there’s a great motive hidden for the Belarusian star who said, “I also want to show that women are powerful.”

Kyrgios, who is not competing professionally due to ongoing knee and wrist injuries that have sidelined him for most of the past three seasons, might be in a “lose-lose situation,” said Sabalenka in a cheeky tone.

“Whoever wins, wins,” she said. “I think I’m not damaging this fight for equal prize money and for bringing women’s sport to another level.

“We’re already on the way, and I think this event is going to only help bring women’s tennis higher because it’s not going to be an easy match for him. I’m going to compete and show that women are strong, powerful, and entertaining to watch.

 “So I think in this event, I’m only going to help, right?” 

“Yeah, for sure,” approved Nick who sat beside her during the interview.

🇧🇾 Aruba Sabalenka says her match against Nick Kyrgios is a “win-win” for her:"I'm going to show that women are strong and powerful.” 💪 pic.twitter.com/nEm9zZxFdJ

— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 10, 2025

Sabalenka will come into the match riding high on a stellar 2025 season, finishing the year as World No. 1 and achieving the highest single-season prize money in WTA history.

She won four singles titles (Brisbane International, Miami Open, Madrid Open, and US Open) and reached a total of nine finals, earning $15,008,519, setting a new WTA record.

Kyrgios, on the other hand, had a challenging 2025 season due to injuries. He played only five professional singles matches, winning just one.

Also Read: Look back: Aryna Sabalenka sets record for highest prize money earned in single WTA season

He began the season with a return to the Australian Open after missing the previous two years’ Grand Slams but lost in the first round in both singles and doubles, retiring from doubles due to injury.

He also withdrew from the Indian Wells tournament and managed a single win at the Miami Open in March. The persistent knee and wrist injuries forced him to miss the rest of the professional season, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open for the third consecutive year.

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