 "Nick Kyrgios will take on women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match. Reuters")
Nick Kyrgios remains confident of his abilities but is also unsure of what would happen at the ‘Battle of Sexes’ where he would take on the reigning WTA world number one Aryna Sabalenka in an exhibition match. The clash will take place on December 28 in Dubai.
Kyrgios, who has never won a Grand Slam, will clash against the four-time Major winner Sabalenka in an encounter that has divided opinions. Former tennis stars have accused Kyrgios of being a misogynist and said that women’s tennis has nothing to gain from this match.
Kyrgios, however, continues to look forward to the clash.
It is going to be fun, says Kyrgios
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The match will rekindle the memories of the famous ‘Battle of Sexes’ that took place in 1973 between Billi Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The 55-year-old Riggs was a former Grand Slam winner but King managed to beat him in straight sets in an iconic moment in tennis history.
However, Kyrgios is still an active player unlike Riggs even though he has lost his last few years to injuries. Despite that, Kyrgios is confident to do well against Sabalenka who is in the form of her life.
“I think my chances are really high. I’m very confident in my ability,” Kyrgios said with a smile during the World Tennis League exhibition tournament in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
He also said that most men would not go for such a contest.
“It’s going to be fun, but also I’m a bit nervous. I like doing things that are outside the box. Honestly, not many males in my position would have done that and taken the opportunity.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, we’ll see,” he added.
He acknowledged the fact that the match has garnered controversies but said that he is used to it.
“I’ve been in a lot of controversies in my whole career and this is another thing I get to experience,” Kyrgios added.