Top-ranked Sabalenka and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios confirmed the date and location – December 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – for the tennis exhibition earlier this week.
“I was in Hong Kong recently and a lot of male players said, ‘Look, you represent all of us.’ So here I am in the line of fire again,” Kyrgios told the Australian Associated Press on Friday. “I’m no stranger to media pressure, but I’m excited whatever the outcome.
“I’m going to go out there and show the world that as good as she is, she also has some weaknesses.”
The name “Battle of the Sexes” is taken from the match between 1973 and 1973 Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs – which King won in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome.
Kyrgios, who has played just six tour-level matches in the past three years due to wrist and knee injuries, said he would bat to a smaller side of the court – almost 10% smaller than Sabalenka is aiming for – leaving him less space to hit winners.
Both players will previously be seen in an exhibition in New York on December 8, but not against each other: Sabalenka will play against Naomi Osaka and Kyrgios against Tommy Paul.
Kyrgios said he would pay Sabalenka full respect.
“Obviously you have potential, I think, one of the greatest female players of all time and she hasn’t even come close to scratching the surface of what she can achieve,” he told AAP. “I think she will win several more Grand Slams.
“She’s honestly talked about this match a little more than I have, but I’m ready to take on the challenge. I’m going out there and, honestly, it’s a lot of pressure for me too.”
Having said all that, and recognizing that Sabalenka would have most of the crowd on her side, Kyrgios pointed to a career resume that puts him in a rare group of players who have beaten all the so-called Big Four: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. He was only the second player to win his first meeting with Nadal (2014 Wimbledon), Federer (2015 Madrid) and Djokovic (2017 Acapulco).
“Look, I’m very confident,” he said. “I mean, look, there were once sixteen people on Earth who defeated the Big Three and the Big Four.
“So I feel like I’m pretty confident, but at the same time I’m very aware that she’s dangerous.”
Despite being ranked No. 652 due to his long time on the sidelines, the 30-year-old Australian was confident he would be fit enough to play well in a month’s time.
“I’m going to be ready,” he said. “I have a good feeling about it.”
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