Aryna Sabalenka has the chance to emulate Billie Jean King by defeating Nick Kyrgios in the latest version of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’.
Many are expecting Kyrgios to easily defeat Sabalenka, despite their ranking disparity and the Australian’s lack of competitive matches in 2025.
Kyrgios has expressed a worry about facing Sabalenka, although he too is confident that he will defeat the world number one.
In an interview with Clay, former World No. 18 Francisco Clavet has suggested that Sabalenka would not beat any player ranked inside the top 500.
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Clavet has suggested that Sabalenka has an ‘opportunity’ to beat Kyrgios, due to his attitude, but he believes the world number one would struggle against any other player inside the top 500.
“If Kyrgios plays and intends to win, it’s practically impossible for him to lose to Sabalenka. In a normal situation, Sabalenka has no chance against Kyrgios.
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“It’s true that Kyrgios is a player who gets distracted and is always doing silly things and playing games, and here, as it’s a show, he’ll do even more.
“That gives Sabalenka the opportunity to win more games than if she were facing another ATP player. If she plays against any other top 100 player.”
Clavet pointed to the biological differences between men and women as the main reason that Sabalenka would struggle.
“Take the example of Jaume Munar, who is a solid player. If Munar or a similar player plays not to miss, there’s zero per cent chance. And I’d say she wouldn’t even beat a top 400 or top 500 player.
“In the end, there’s a huge gap. And that’s not to detract from the women or Sabalenka. She’s a great player who hits tremendous shots, often more powerful than many men.
“But if we take into account everything that tennis is, not just power, the difference is huge: I’m talking about physique, legs, endurance, speed, consistency of shots.”
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Sabalenka has come under fire for agreeing to take on Kyrgios in the event, where her detractors say she has created a lose-lose situation for the women’s game.
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In an interview with BBC Sport, the world number one said: “I am not putting myself at any risk. We’re there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins.
“It’s so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it’s not about that. This event is only going to help bring women’s tennis to a higher level.”
The event will likely be watched by far more casual tennis fans than any other event this year. With more eyes on tennis as a result, only time will tell if it helps grow the game.
