"Getting scared?"- Aryna Sabalenka turns up the banter with Nick Kyrgios as duo's controversial ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in Dubai draws near

Aryna Sabalenka seems excited for her Battle of the Sexes match against Nick Kyrgios. The duo will face each other at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 28, 2025.

While Sabalenka held on to the top spot in the WTA rankings, Kyrgios only played five matches this year. She not only defended her title in New York but also reached the final in Riyadh at the WTA Finals.

The Belarusian recently shared some lighthearted banter with Kyrgios on social media. She teased the Australian ahead of their highly anticipated Battle of the Sexes encounter.

"Getting scared Nick? Still sounds like a piece of cake to me," Aryna Sabalenka said

Aryna Sabalenka shares an update via Instagram - Image Source @ArynaSabalenka Instagram

The first official Battle of the Sexes match took place in May 1973, when Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court 6–2, 6–1. A few months later, Riggs lost to Billie Jean King 6–4, 6–3, 6–3, an important moment in women’s tennis history.

Interestingly, in 1992, Jimmy Connors also played a Battle of the Sexes match against Martina Navratilova. He defeated her in straight sets, 7–5, 6–2. Aryna Sabalenka will be eager to live up to Billie Jean King’s legacy. On that note, here are the rules for her upcoming match against Nick Kyrgios.

Rules for the Battle of the Sexes:

1) The court on Aryna Sabalenka’s side will be 9% smaller.

2) Both players get only one serve, so if they miss it, they lose the point.

3) The match will be played as a normal three-set match, but if a third set is needed, it will be a 10-point tie-breaker. The player who reaches 10 points first with a two-point lead wins.

4) Players will also be allowed to take time-outs to talk to their coaches.

"I'm here to entertain, this is what I live for" - Nick Kyrgios shares his thoughts ahead of the Battle of the Sexes against Aryna Sabalenka

Kyrgios at the Miami Open Presented by Itau 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Nick Kyrgios was expected to play a full season this year, but fitness concerns have kept him off the tour since March 2025.

Kyrgios expressed excitement about competing against Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes. He said he wants to entertain the crowd and is always up for a challenge.

“When the world No. 1 challenges you, you answer the call. I've got massive respect for Aryna; she's a powerhouse and a true champion. But I've never backed down from a challenge, and I'm not just here to play, I'm here to entertain. This is what I live for,” Nick Kyrgios said

The Australian also praised Sabalenka for showcasing her fun personality on and off the court.

“She's awesome, by the way. Getting to know her, she's definitely a character, but I'm super excited for that. She's the type of player that I think she genuinely thinks she's going to win," he added

He felt confident about his chances and also predicted the score.

"She's not going to beat me, bro. Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent? Women can’t return our serves… I think I’ll be fine, maybe 6-2 to me," Nick Kyrgios said on the Tea with Bublik podcast, he concluded

Kyrgios was last seen in action at the Miami Open this year. He defeated Mackenzie McDonald in the first round, but lost to Karen Khachanov in the second, 7-6(3), 6-0.