
Aryna Sabalenka doesn't agree at all with the claim that her match against Nick Kyrgios will damage women's tennis as the WTA world No. 1 says she is "in a win-win situation" and this could only bring the women's game to "a higher level."
After the Battle of the Sexes was arranged for December 28th in Dubai, the majority of the public welcomed it with enthusiasm. However, there was also another side of the public that thinks there a heavy Sabalenka loss could lead to certain negative narratives about women's tennis.
Ahead of their match, Sabalenka and Kyrgios joined British TV host Piers Morgan for a conversation. Morgan spoke with the two about various topics and used the opportunity to ask directly the Belarusian four-time Grand Slam champion if playing a male player could damage women's tennis.
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"I am not putting myself at any risk. We're there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins. It's so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it's not about that. This event is only going to help bring women's tennis to a higher level," the top-ranked WTA player said on Uncensored with Piers Morgan.
Sabalenka: I'll show that women are strong and competitive... Kyrgios is in a lose-lose situation
"It's not going to be an easy match for Nick. I'm going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment. He's in a lose-lose situation. I'm in a win-win situation," the Belarusian added.
During last month's event in Hong Kong, Kyrgios said that he was approached by several players who were competing at the Asian swing, and told that he was "representing men's tennis." The Australian admitted that it placed "a lot of pressure" on his back.
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Sabalenka has won four Grand Slams since 2023 and has been the WTA world No. 1 since October 2024. On the other side, Kyrgios was out for two years before appearing in just four main-level tournaments in 2025.