Aryna Sabalenka’s match against Nick Kyrgios is just around the corner, as men’s and women’s tennis is set to once again be unified.
However, the context surrounding this iteration of the Battle of the Sexes could not be more different to the one Billie Jean King suffered through, which is what has inspired so much scrutiny about this particular match.
Many argue that the showdown can only be a bad thing for women’s tennis, pitting their top-ranked player against an injury-prone player currently in the 600s in the men’s world rankings.
Alas, Aryna Sabalenka has remained adamant in her stance on the matter, insisting that the match is only for fun.
Aryna Sabalenka’s final message before the Battle of the Sexes
Speaking to Gulf News, the Belarusian delivered her final assessment of the controversial clash set to take place this Sunday.
She spoke about the event as a whole and her opponent, detailing exactly what she is expecting from Nick Kyrgios tomorrow.
Sabalenka admitted: “Of course, there’s pressure, but it’s also a privilege.
What will the impact on women’s tennis be if Nick Kyrgios wins easily?
“Being number one means you’re doing something right. I’ve learned to embrace that pressure instead of fearing it. I trust my preparation, my team and my game, and that helps me stay focused when expectations are high.”
She then added: “I’m really excited. Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love. I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
It’s almost ironic that, on the eve of this match, Greg Rusedski still has so many questions about the Battle of the Sexes that he wants answering.
Nick Kyrgios reacts to Aryna Sabalenka’s points
As part of the big marketing push to promote this match, Kyrgios was recently pictured reacting to some of Sabalenka’s best points.
There, he watched her crush the ball past the likes of Coco Gauff and Qinwen Zheng, and was left impressed by the many tools she has at her disposal.
Which two players in tennis history would you like to see in a Battle of the Sexes match?
Naturally, the Australian marvelled at her fierce forehand, but also revealed that she had told him that she’s been working on her drop shot too.
Kyrgios also took time to praise her serve and boldness under pressure, admitting that he’s ‘well aware’ of the threat she poses.
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