Italy's top tennis star shares her take on Aryna Sabalenka & Nick Kyrgios' controversial 'Battle of the Sexes'

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka will face each other in the controversial Battle of the Sexes showdown, scheduled on 28th December at the indoor hard-court of Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Several tennis stars have already shared their view regarding this exhibition match. The event takes inspiration from the legendary 1973 Battle of the Sexes (1973) match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Italy's top tennis player, Martina Trevisan, shared who she will be cheering in this one-of-a-kind showdown, while referencing the to-and-fro jibes taken by Kyrgios and Sabalenka at each other.

"Yeah, Aryna is going to play Nick. He said, “you have to be scared of me” and Aryna answered showing a lot of confidence. I will cheer for Aryna, of course," she said via RG Media.

Trevisan was also asked about her views regarding the nature of this match, competing with a men's tennis player against a woman.

"I think when there are smiles and good behaviour, it’s always good, not only for sport, but for people. It's going to be fun," she added.

Trevisan also mentioned that if an opportunity arises, she herself would like to feature in such events.

Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka Battle of the Sexes will have modified rules

In order to make the match competitives, several rules have been tilted in favor of Aryna Sabalenka so that the competition remains balanced, healthy and competitive.

Kyrgios will get only one serve per point, meaning if he faults his first serve, he will lose a point. Secondly, Sabalenka will hit toward a slightly smaller side of the court, and Kyrgios will have less room to land winners.

Ahead of the showdown, Kyrgios has been vocal in his admiration for Sabalenka, citing her winning mindset.

“Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said on the First & Red podcast. “I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she’s going to win."

However, the Australian doesn't think he will be defeated in the Battle of the Sexes as he predicts a convincing win.

“She [Sabalenka] is not gonna beat me," Kyrgios said. "Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent? I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe. I’m not going to go there and say, ‘Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play this.’ That would make me look so bad. I’d imagine the internet would go crazy, go bananas.”

Sabalenka herself is taking the event sportingly and she's preparing like she would for any game on the tour, suggesting that she is not taking this match any lightly.