Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are set to appear in a brand-new instalment of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in Dubai.
The exhibition match has been set up by their joint-management, Evolve, and will see them take to the court in a controversial three-set contest.
Kyrgios has expressed fear and nervousness about facing Sabalenka as they reignite the format made famous by Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.
The match has been publicly slammed by pundits and fans, and former WTA star Alize Cornet has now expressed her disappointment.
Alize Cornet calls out ‘stupid’ Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka rule change
In an interview with RMC Sport, former WTA star Cornet called the new Battle of the Sexes match a “huge PR stunt.”
The Frenchwoman took particular issue with the new rule changes, which will see Sabalenka play on a smaller side of the court.
What would be a successful season for Nick Kyrgios in 2026?
“I find it absolutely stupid. While the service rule is understandable with a player like Nick Kyrgios who can hit four aces in a game, I think if we want to give people a bit of a show, we don’t want it to be all aces.
“So it’s true that if we had stopped there, it could have been something cool, but now with this reduction of the court, we won’t even be able to observe it because ultimately it only removes a few centimeters.
“It’s really the symbolism that’s absurd and it doesn’t give a very good image of women’s tennis. As for the level of play, I think there could be a good match in a purely factual sense, but everything surrounding it is really a huge PR stunt and a not very successful one.”
Cornet has taken issue with the smaller court dimensions because she believes Sabalenka can go toe-to-toe with Kyrgios from the baseline.
“So in the end, I’m not convinced by the principle. I think it’s a bit of a shame to approach it from this angle. Why did she accept these rules?
“Why did she agree to reduce the court size when she’s the world number one? For two years she’s dominated the women’s circuit, surely she can play on a normal court against Nick Kyrgios.
“[The match] is to diminish and devalue the abilities of Sabalenka who can very well hold her own against Nick Kyrgios from the baseline, especially since he is semi-retired, he is not trained and has a knee swollen like a grapefruit”.
Kyrgios has played just four competitive matches in 2025 due to ongoing injury issues with his knee and wrist.
Emma Raducanu shares her thoughts on Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka
While there have been some criticisms of the Battle of the Sexes match, Emma Raducanu has expressed an interest in the clash.
In an interview with The Mirror, via TNT Sports, the British star said: “I want to see if they both go flat out. But it will be interesting. I don’t think I’ll watch it all live, but I think I’ll watch some highlights or a recap of it.
However, asked if she would perform in a match against a man, Raducanu dismissed the notion of the mixed match.
“No, I don’t think anyone would sign up for that. “Honestly. But I think it would just be cool for the public.”
Sabalenka vs Kyrgios is the latest man vs woman match, with several others having taken place in the last few years.
Johanna Konta vs Pat Cash, Novak Djokovic vs Li Na, and Iga Swiatek vs Huburt Hurkacz have all taken place within the last decade.
