Kyrgios shaking as battle of the sexes approaches

NIck Kyrgios cannot hide a rising sense of dread as his December 28 Battle of the Sexes against WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka draws nearer.

The Australian, 30, who has burned out due to wrist and knee injuries along with a minimal dedication to his sport, is due to face Sabalenka in Dubai.

Since losing the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, he competed in a single match during 2023 and 2024 while playing four  this past season, winning a round last March in Miami.

The money-spinning post-Christmas exhibition will feature special rules to give Sabalenka a fighting chance. 

Her side of the court will be almost 10 per cent smaller that regulation for the match to take place over three sets, with a 10-point deciding tie-break if needed.

Each player will have only one serve per point instead of the usual two.

Kyrgios was not sounding super confident as what has to be the end of his career approaches.

“I know she’s a very dangerous player for many men in the top 100, and I’ll need to give it my all to win,” he told interviewer Piers Morgan.

“I’ve been going through some tough times in my career lately, and I have no doubt that Aryna is capable of beating me. 

“It’s going to be a great show, and I know it will generate much more interest than many matches on the ATP Tour during the regular season. 

“It’s an honor for me to share the court with her, and I know I’m going to be very nervous because facing Sabalenka is a huge challenge, but also a great motivation.” .

The Australian called his opponent’s serve “better than some men on the Tour, so it’s going to be tough for me.”

No. 672 Kyrgios is due to play on a wild card in January’s Australian Open, where he last won a match in 2022; he lost in the first round a year ago to Brit Jakob Fearnley.

Main photo:- Nick Kyrgios lost the 2022 Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic -by Roger Parker ISF