Aryna Sabalenka has hit back at the suggestion that her Battle of the Sexes exhibition match with Nick Kyrgios would damage women's sport. 

Sabalenka, who is the world number one after a stellar 2025 campaign, will face Kyrgios on December 28, the fourth time a woman has faced a man in a singles match. 

The first such clash came in May 1973 when Bobby Riggs beat Margaret Court in straight sets, but later that year, a similar exhibition was also put on show. 

Riggs again participated, but he was beaten in three sets by Billie Jean King. The other match saw Martina Navratilova defeated by Jimmy Connors in September 1992. 

"I don't agree," Sabalenka said when asked if the match could be damaging. "I am not putting myself at risk. We're there to have fun and bring great tennis. Whoever wins, wins. 

"It's so obvious that the man is biologically stronger than the woman, but it's not about that. This event is only going to help bring women's tennis to a higher level."

It's time! pic.twitter.com/KUYu8BWcz6

— Sabalenka Aryna (@SabalenkaA) November 23, 2025

Sabalenka finished with a record of 63-12 this season, a win ratio of 84%, winning four singles honours, including her fourth grand slam title at the US Open in September. 

The Belarusian reached nine finals overall, and takes on former world number 13 Kyrgios, who is working his way back to fitness after battling knee and wrist injuries. 

"It's not going to be an easy match for Nick," Sabalenka added. "I'm going to be there competing and showing women are strong, powerful and good entertainment.

"He's in a lose-lose situation. I'm in a win-win situation."

Kyrgios returned to action in Brisbane in January, but played just five matches across four tournaments, with his last appearance coming at the Miami Open back in March. 

He beat Mackenzie McDonald before losing to Karen Khachanov in the United States. The 30-year-old is currently ranked at number 672 in the world.

Kyrgios believes the exhibition will attract a new audience to tennis, with the Australian promising more entertainment and celebrity fans sitting courtside.

"Tennis doesn't really have that (razzmatazz) that often, and I think that when something like this occurs it is pretty special," said Kyrgios.

"I'm never worried. I know how I've responded to things in my life," Kyrgios added on whether he was concerned about losing to Sabalenka. 

"This is all a bonus. I've lost tennis matches before, so it's not really a big deal."