Nick Kyrgios admitted he was "nervous" before facing Aryna Sabalenka because the match was "all the world was talking about for the last six months."
Just before the start of the US Open, rumors started to swirl around that the 2022 Wimbledon finalist and the WTA world No. 1 would clash in a Battle of the Sexes match in late 2025 or early 2026.
On November 4th, EVOLVE - the sports agency representing both Kyrgios and Sabalenka - announced that 28th December was the date. Also, it was revealed that Dubai was picked as the location.
After drawing enormous attention - both positive and negative - they squared off this past Sunday. The rules for the match were changed as the Belarusian's side was 9 percent smaller and each player only had one serve.
Kyrgios struggled a bit early, but ultimately managed to make the needed adjustments and win 6-3 6-3.
Kyrgios: I was nervous... This was all the world was talking about for the last six months
"Of course I was nervous. I dont think many people wouldve put their hand up to be in this position. Especially in my position. Aryna was up for the challenge. The scoreline was closer than it was. I was under the pump there. She nearly broke me back. Anything happens once the crowd gets behind her. I was nervous," the 30-year-old said.
"This was all the world was talking about for the last six months. From where I was two years ago, I was sidelined. I wasnt able to use my right hand. To get back out here and compete with someone as great as Aryna is honestly pretty emotional.
Truth be told, there was lots of attention surrounding the Kyrgios and Sabalenka match. But a lot of was negative - the Belarusian was especially criticized - as some felt that she was putting women's tennis at risk of being damaged.
After losing to Kyrgios, Sabalenka received more criticism by the tennis public, but remained unfazed and bluntly stated that she "did not know how someone could find something negative in this."
