{"id":376198,"date":"2025-12-28T14:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T14:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/376198\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T14:30:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T14:30:12","slug":"nick-kyrgios-v-aryna-sabalenka-live-battle-of-the-sexes-start-time-and-tennis-match-updates-from-controversial-tennis-exhibition-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/376198\/","title":{"rendered":"Nick Kyrgios v Aryna Sabalenka live: Battle of the Sexes start time and tennis match updates from controversial tennis exhibition today"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Emma Raducanu details experience hitting with Carlos Alcaraz<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t long but I hit with Carlos in New York, and the impact of his ball\u2026 It looks like he\u2019s not trying, but on your strings, it\u2019s so heavy,\u201d Raducanu said on what Sabalenka will have to deal with.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat compared to a girl, usually they hit the ball flatter, except Iga [Swiatek] hits a very spinning ball. And there are certain exceptions on the women\u2019s game. Aryna\u2019s ball is pretty heavy, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019d say the heaviness of the impact is different, and also just their strength in certain positions. You think you\u2019ve hit a good shot, and they\u2019re just able to get behind the ball like an extra step and generate and kind of one-up you and use your pace. That and the serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"PartnershipsPartnerships like Alcaraz\/Raducanu proved social-media friendly but could not beat actual doubles players (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 14:25<\/p>\n

<\/a>Nick Kyrgios defends Battle of the Sexes due to media coverage<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been one of the most talked-about events of the year. I don\u2019t think any other tennis tournament has had such media coverage or attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know there will be many eyes on this match, but I just want to step on the court and show the world that great months are ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a great preparation for myself and Aryna. I know my role here, whether the villain or the good guy, is to show the world that this can happen more often. We are great friends off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"NickNick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during a press conference (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 14:12<\/p>\n

<\/a>Nick Kyrgios adapting training to suit Battle of the Sexes rule changes<\/p>\n

\u201cMy coach\/best friend and I have made some adjustments at home,\u201d Kyrgios revealed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have tried to adapt to the court conditions. It will be interesting. I can\u2019t wait to see the court and its dimensions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know she is trying to make me nervous, and she is, but so am I. The fact that the court is more equal is a great initiative, but the one-serve rule benefits me. Serving is my strong point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Australia'sAustralia’s Nick Kyrgios gestures during his first round match (REUTERS)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 14:00<\/p>\n

<\/a>Nick Kyrgios form entering Battle of the Sexes<\/p>\n

Nick Kyrgios has been hampered by injuries in 2025, playing just five matches, with his most recent action in Miami in March:<\/p>\n

ATP Masters 1000 Miami: R64 v Khachanov – lost 6-7, 0-6ATP Masters 1000 Miami: R128 v McDonald – won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells: R128 v Van de Zandschulp – lost retired 6-7, 0-3)Australian Open 2025: R128 v Fearnley – lost 6-7, 3-6, 6-7ATP 250 Brisbane: R32 v Mpetshi Perricard – lost 6-7, 7-6, 6-7<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 13:48<\/p>\n

<\/a>Emma Raducanu shares doubt over Kyrgios v Sabalenka in controversial Battle of the Sexes<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see if they both go flat out,\u201d Raducanu said. \u201cBut it will be interesting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll watch it all live, but I think I\u2019ll watch some highlights or a recap of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 13:36<\/p>\n

<\/a>Nick Kyrgios admits he is \u2018nervous\u2019 to face Aryna Sabalenka<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of us have played in grand stadiums all over the world,\u201d Kyrgios said. \u201cShe is a Grand Slam champion, I have played incredible matches, but I would be lying if I said I\u2019m not a bit nervous.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to step on the court. I know the whole world will be watching us. Aryna has tried to distract me with the nightlife here, but I remain focused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving the chance to face a great champion like Aryna is a challenge, it\u2019s something different, but at the same time, sports and entertainment are the same. If you look at all the buzz this event has created\u2026 It all started with a \u2018What if\u2026?\u2019<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 13:24<\/p>\n

<\/a>Aryna Sabalenka ready for \u2018unpredictable\u2019 Nick Kyrgios <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really excited,\u201d said Sabalenka. \u201cNick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I\u2019m really looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"(REUTERS)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 13:12<\/p>\n

<\/a>Five previous \u2018Battle of the Sexes\u2019 style showdowns in tennis1973: Bobby Riggs bt Margaret Court (6-2, 6-1)1973: Billie Jean King bt Bobby Riggs (6-4, 6-3, 6-3)1992: Jimmy Connors bt Martina Navratilova (7-5, 6-2)1998: Karsten Braasch bt Venus and Serena Williams – Braash won 6-1 against Serena, before beating Venus 6-2 in separate sets2003: Yannick Noah bt Justine Henin (4-6, 6-4, 7-6)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 13:00<\/p>\n

<\/a>Sabalenka: ‘Kyrgios in a lose-lose situation, I’m in a win-win situation’<\/p>\n

“It’s not going to be an easy match for Nick,” Sabalenka said.<\/p>\n

“I’m going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment.<\/p>\n

“He’s in a lose-lose situation. I’m in a win-win situation.”<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 12:50<\/p>\n

<\/a>Kyrgios and Sabalenka face off at Battle of the Sexes press conference\"\"(AP)\"\"(AFP via Getty Images)\"\"(REUTERS)<\/p>\n

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