Aryna Sabalenka reveals the number of ATP Top 1000 male players she believes she could beat

Sabalenka is one of the hardest hitters in tennis, with a power game that stacks up well against many on the men’s side.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is set to face Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, later this month in Dubai. The two have been making joint media appearances to help build interest ahead of their match.

During an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Sabalenka was asked how many players within the top 1000 men’s rankings she believes she could beat.

Sabalenka didn’t give a specific number but suggested her chances would be better against those without a strong serve.

Kyrgios, known for his big serve, prompted Sabalenka to discuss why some changes were made for the upcoming match. “To be honest I think if we play full court, full rules, it would be really tough for me to compete against guys,” said Sabalenka. “I mean physically they are much stronger, speed, power of the balls, everything is much stronger so it’s tough to compete.”

“But in these conditions I feel like we are having here with a 9% smaller court, at least I have a higher chance to compete and see if I can win in these conditions and if I can maybe I will go for a regular match against a guy.”

“I think some of them maybe I would be able to win. If there is a guy who doesn’t have a powerful serve for example I think I could get a couple of wins but it’s not like I would beat every one of them.”

Kyrgios sides with Sabalenka about chances vs top 1000 ATP players

Piers Morgan then turned his attention towards Kyrgios and referenced an old comment from John McEnroe about women struggling to beat top 800 ranked men.

Kyrgios responded by backing his opponent ahead of their match-up: “I think the sport has changed,” answered Kyrgios. “Obviously we have advantages but I am around Aryna a fair bit now and I see her tennis and watch a lot of her matches, we have worked pretty closely.”

“To see her physicality and the way that she hits the ball there is no doubt in my mind she is the number one player in the world and there would be guys who get extremely nervous and tight and as Aryna said if they don’t have big serves and get into rallies her ball on her forehand is as big as some of guys.
I have no doubt in my mind she would beat guys in top 1000 that’s not even question.”