Sabalenka responds to Kyrgios with bold Battle of the Sexes vow: Going to kick his a**

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has responded in typically combative fashion to Nick Kyrgios's controversial comments about their proposed "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition, promising fans a spectacle and vowing to "kick his ass." The showdown hasn’t been announced yet, but it is likely to take place next year. Sevveral media outlets reported that the man-versus-woman competition could take place in Hong Kong, in the run-up to the 2026 Australian Open.

"I think it's gonna be spectacular to watch. It's going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick," said the 27-year-old Belarusian, who is chasing the fourth Grand Slam title of her career.

"He said in another interview that I genuinely think that I'm going to win. And I'll definitely go out there, and I'll try my best to kick his ass. We are not sure about the place, but definitely if we're going to bring it, we're going to bring it to somewhere where a lot of people are watching, and we're gonna put a lot of pressure on Nick."

Sabalenka addressed the topic after reaching the US Open final for the third successive year. She outlasted local hope Jessica Pegula in a hard-fought three-set battle on Thursday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

NICK KYRGIOS TALKS BIG

Her comments come after Kyrgios, ranked 651 in the world and sidelined since March due to injuries, suggested Sabalenka stood no chance against him. Speaking to fellow ATP player Alexander Bublik, the Australian insisted: "She's not going to beat me, do you really think I have to try 100 percent?"

He went on to argue that his serve alone would overwhelm her: "Our serves, women can't return them, and then we can just chip and drop shot."

The event has yet to be confirmed but is expected to take place in Hong Kong early next year in the build-up to the 2026 Australian Open. Peter Johnston, director of international events for the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, has confirmed discussions are ongoing.

The prospect of a Kyrgios-Sabalenka showdown has inevitably drawn comparisons to the original "Battle of the Sexes" in 1973, when Billie Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in a landmark moment for women's sport.

For now, while Kyrgios continues his recovery, Sabalenka is letting her tennis do the talking - bidding to become the first woman in 11 years to defend the US Open women's singles crown.