Nick Kyrgios is in full exhibition mode after another injury-hit season on the ATP Tour in 2025.
Kyrgios has just taken on The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden, where he was joined by Tommy Paul, Naomi Osaka, and Aryna Sabalenka.
But his focus now turns to a Battle of the Sexes clash with Sabalenka, which is scheduled for Dubai at the end of December.
Kyrgios is a popular figure, but his upcoming clash has drawn plenty of criticism, with former player Steve Johnson refusing to watch the Battle of the Sexes match.
Nick Kyrgios hits back at Rennae Stubbs’ Battle of the Sexes comments
And another former player in Rennae Stubbs has slammed the Battle of the Sexes match, asking: “What is in this for women’s tennis?
“Nick Kyrgios, unless he’s really hurt and can’t win at all, will win this match easily. It’s a fact. Male tennis players, even if he’s playing at 50%, he’s going to win that match.”
Asked on Piers Morgan Uncensored if he agrees with the comments, Kyrgios said: “To be honest I don’t think I’ve really ever taken anything Rennae Stubbs has said about me personally or with any care to be honest.
“I think it shows unity. It really does show unity. I think people don’t know that me and Aryna get along extremely well
“We are having fun in doing this together. This is something that not many tennis players have ever experienced.”
What do you really think about tennis exhibitions?
Nick Kyrgios responds when asked what will happen if he beats Aryna Sabalenka 6-0, 6-0
The discussion quickly continued with Kyrgios being asked what if he defeats the WTA Tour number one 6-0, 6-0.
He replied: “Well, what if? That’s sport. We don’t know what to expect. I am going to feel extremely nervous, I am carrying a lot of weight as well. Aryna has won Grand Slams but she has never gone into this kind of scenario.”
Who do you think will win the 2025 Battle of the Sexes?
Sabalenka is indeed a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, while Kyrgios has made just one such final in his career.
He lost the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, but like his upcoming opponent has tasted Grand Slam doubles success.
Kyrgios won in that format with Thanasi Kokkinakis at the 2022 Australian Open, while Sabalenka boasts two such titles with Elise Mertens.
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