'Do you really think I have to try 100%': Nick Kyrgios courts controversy with cocky swipe about Aryna Sabalenka 'Battle of the Sexes'

Nick Kyrgios reflected on the prospect of his upcoming Battle of the Sexes with Aryna Sabalenka quipping that he won't even need to try 100% to beat the incumbant top WTA star and all conquering force in the women's game.

Speaking in an i nterview with Alexander Bublik, he said that Sabalenka would for sure be up for it and it won't just be the matter of the pay-day. But male pride took over controversially as he said that Sabalenka won't have a chance in beating him.

As well as that he won't have to try to do so. He even gave a score prediction of 6-2 in their match. Kyrgios no doubt is giving fighting talk ahead of their match in Hong Kong during January 2026. But the cocky arrogance especially when Kyrgios himself has not been really on the court massively for the past few years is perhaps misplaced.

Especially given that Sabalenka as well as being the top WTA star is known for her incredible power game. Kyrgios of course is known for his booming serve but he may yet get a rude awakening if he does as he says and doesn't try too hard.

"She's not going to beat me" - Kyrgios in major fighting talk

“Getting to know her, she’s definitely a character,” Kyrgios said. “I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she’s going to win.”

When pressed on whether he would be taking the contest seriously, Kyrgios was quick to make his stance clear. “She’s not going to beat me, brother,” he insisted. Asked again if he would truly be trying, Kyrgios pushed back: “Do you really think I have to try a hundred percent?”

Even with suggestions that he could turn up relaxed after a night out, Kyrgios dismissed the idea of coasting through. “I’m going to try,” he confirmed. “Definitely. Because I’m representing, I guess, the men’s side. I’d say like 6-2 maybe.”

Not everyone around him was entirely convinced, with Alexander Bublik joking, “I would not pick you to represent us against her.” Kyrgios, surprised, shot back: “Why? Seriously?”

He explained where he felt his advantages would lie: “I mean, our serves… women can’t really return those. And then we can just chip and drop shot.”