The newest version of the Battle of the Sexes is quickly approaching, with WTA world number one Aryna Sabalenka set to go up against controversial Australian star Nick Kyrgios.
In a throwback to the historic clash between Billy Jean King and Bobby Riggs, Sabalenka and Kyrgios will play their own cross-gender game, featuring two of the game's biggest personalities.
But as the match draws nearer, Kyrgios has already claimed that he won't need to play at full effort in order to claim a win.
Nick Kyrgios claims he won't 'have to play at 100%' to beat Aryna Sabalenka
Nick Kyrgios has made a bold claim ahead of his Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Kyrgios on upcoming Battle of the Sexes match against Aryna Sabalenka
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2025
Bublik: “Are you gonna try?”
Nick. “She's not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100%? I'm gonna try. Because I'm representing the men's side… I’d say like 6-2 maybe”
pic.twitter.com/DaLoSpCuJF
Appearing on a podcast with fellow tennis player Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios has dismissed any chance of Sabalenka winning their match.
"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.
"She’s not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent?
"I’m gonna try. Because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say [I'll win] like 6-2 maybe."
The match looks set to go ahead in early 2026, possibly ahead of the Australian Open.