"Do you really think I have to try 100%": Nick Kyrgios courts controversy with cocky swipe about Aryna Sabalenka 'Battle of the Sexes'

Tuesday, 02 September 2025 at 17:45

Nick Kyrgios competing at the 2025 Indian Wells Open

Nick Kyrgios reflected on the prospect of his upcoming Battle of the Sexes with Aryna Sabalenka quipping that he won't even need to try 100% to beat the incumbant top WTA star and all conquering force in the women's game.

Speaking in an interview with Alexander Bublik, he said that Sabalenka would for sure be up for it and it won't just be the matter of the pay-day. But male pride took over controversially as he said that Sabalenka won't have a chance in beating him.

As well as that he won't have to try to do so. He even gave a score prediction of 6-2 in their match. Kyrgios no doubt is giving fighting talk ahead of their match in Hong Kong during January 2026. But the cocky arrogance especially when Kyrgios himself has not been really on the court massively for the past few years is perhaps misplaced.

Especially given that Sabalenka as well as being the top WTA star is known for her incredible power game. Kyrgios of course is known for his booming serve but he may yet get a rude awakening if he does as he says and doesn't try too hard.

"She's not going to beat me" - Kyrgios in major fighting talk

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

When pressed on whether he would be taking the contest seriously, Kyrgios was quick to make his stance clear. “She’s not going to beat me, brother,” he insisted. Asked again if he would truly be trying, Kyrgios pushed back: “Do you really think I have to try a hundred percent?”

Even with suggestions that he could turn up relaxed after a night out, Kyrgios dismissed the idea of coasting through. “I’m going to try,” he confirmed. “Definitely. Because I’m representing, I guess, the men’s side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe.”

Not everyone around him was entirely convinced, with Alexander Bublik joking, “I would not pick you to represent us against her.” Kyrgios, surprised, shot back: “Why? Seriously?”

He explained where he felt his advantages would lie: “I mean, our serves… women can’t really return those. And then we can just chip and drop shot.”

But Kyrgios tried to offer confidence to Bublik amid his own misplaced thoughts on the match.. “I would choose you a hundred percent. You can drop shot, they would have no idea.” Kyrgios responded with a grin: “See, he’s very mean to me, bro. But thanks for the confidence.”

For Kyrgios, the key point was always about effort and perception. “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,” he said.

Ultimately, he remained certain of the outcome. “I think I’m going to be okay. I’m going to go there, and I don’t want her to win. That’s for sure.” As for the format, the Australian confirmed it comes with a slight twist. “Yep. Smaller court, one serve each. My service boxes are smaller.”

Announced earlier on this year, Sabalenka and Kyrgios want to recreate the Bobby Riggs v Billie Jean King match albeit of course Kyrgios's confidence may indeed be misguided especially given that Riggs lost that match and was talking it up as cocky as the Aussie is. An interesting one to keep an eye on for sure.

Read also

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

(VIDEO) Spectator tries to open Jannik Sinner's bag after triumph over Alexander Bublik at US Open

"She is absolutely back": Former Wimbledon champion effusive of praise for Naomi Osaka