{"id":373166,"date":"2025-12-28T14:03:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T14:03:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/373166\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T14:03:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T14:03:11","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\/ca\/373166\/","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>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

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 12:40<\/p>\n

<\/a>Sabalenka: ‘Battle of the Sexes’ will not damage women’s sport<\/p>\n

“I don’t agree [that it will damage women\u2019s sport],\u201d Sabalenka told BBC Sport. “I am not putting myself at any risk. We’re there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it’s not about that.<\/p>\n

“This event is only going to help bring women’s tennis to a higher level.”<\/p>\n

\"ArynaAryna Sabalenka reacts during a press conference (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Jack Rathborn28 December 2025 12:30<\/p>\n

<\/a>Billie Jean King gives verdict on \u2018Battle of the Sexes\u2019 clash<\/p>\n

Legendary tennis star Billie Jean King says the upcoming \u2018Battle of the Sexes\u2019 clash between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka is \u2018just not the same\u2019 as the battle she underwent with Bobby Riggs during the 1970s.<\/p>\n

“The only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That’s it,\u201d the now 82-year-old told BBC Sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything else, no. Ours was about social change; culturally, where we were in 1973. This one is not. I hope it’s a great match – I want Sabalenka, obviously, to win – but it’s just not the same.<\/p>\n

\u201cMine was really political. It was rough, culturally, what was coming in with it. I knew I had to beat him for societal change. I had a lot of reasons to win.”<\/p>\n

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

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