Hong Kong is set to host a modern-day "Battle of the Sexes" between tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka in January 2026. This exhibition match is generating buzz, reminiscent of the historic 1973 event where Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs.

Kyrgios, known for his outspokenness, has already stirred the pot with some controversial comments ahead of the match. In an interview with fellow player Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios expressed his confidence, stating that Sabalenka is "not going to beat me" and questioned whether he even needs to try his hardest to win. He suggested that his serve would be too difficult for Sabalenka to return and that he could easily win by using chip shots and drop shots. Kyrgios predicted a 6-2 victory.

These remarks have sparked a firestorm of reactions online, with some criticizing Kyrgios for being disrespectful towards Sabalenka and women's tennis in general. Others have come to his defense, while many are simply anticipating the spectacle of the match itself.

Adding to the intrigue, the "Battle of the Sexes" match will feature some unique twists. Kyrgios will only be allowed one serve, and his side of the court will be smaller than Sabalenka's. The specific details of these modifications are still being finalized.

Kyrgios's recent career has been plagued by injuries, limiting his time on the court. He has only played five singles matches this year with one win. He has been sidelined from major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open due to knee, foot, and wrist issues. In March 2025, he secured his first tour-level win since 2022 at the Miami Open. He has also expressed concerns about potentially having played his last singles match at the Australian Open.

Sabalenka, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in women's tennis, holding the world No. 1 ranking since October 2024. She has won three Grand Slam titles, including the 2025 Australian Open and two US Open titles. Sabalenka reached the US Open semi-finals after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to a knee injury. This is the first time in 21 years that a player has reached a Grand Slam semi-final in this manner. She is now set to face Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year's final.

Despite Kyrgios's bold claims and Sabalenka's strong form, the outcome of the "Battle of the Sexes" match remains uncertain. The match is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong in January 2026, during the ATP 250 event, preceding the Australian Open.