Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are set for another high-profile Battle of the Sexes match, 52 years after Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in 1973.
The latest instalment of the match has proved incredibly controversial, with many critics suggesting it can only be bad news for the women’s game.
Sabalenka has fought back against critics of the match and even suggested she can beat the Australian star.
Kyrgios has admitted to feeling pressure about the match and now he has outlined what he is most worried about facing from Sabalenka’s game.
Nick Kyrgios is worried about Aryna Sabalenka’s baseline game
Speaking to BBC Sport, Kyrgios discussed where he believed he would thrive against Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes.
“You’re taking my strength completely out of it. Obviously, she has a great serve herself, but from the back of the court, things are a bit more even.”
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However, he believes that should Sabalenka find a solution for his powerful serve then she could prove a danger.
“The men’s game is heavily reliant and dominated by first serve percentage and holding serve quite easy. So if you take that away the game becomes a bit more of a grind from the baseline, and I think that slightly goes in her favour.”
Kyrgios has only played four competitive matches all year, while Sabalenka played over 70 matches on the WTA Tour.
Why Aryna Sabalenka has a major chance to beat Nick Kyrgios
Sabalenka arrives in Dubai in a far better state than Kyrgios as they contest the latest installment of the Battle of the Sexes.
The world number one might not have played tennis since the WTA Finals, but her match fitness will top the Australian’s.
The new rules at the Battle of the Sexes, which include just one serve and a smaller court for Sabalenka, will boost the world number one’s chances.
Kyrgios’ game is built entirely around his powerful serve, should that be limited then Sabalenka could squeeze out the victory.
