Aryna Sabalenka recently shared her thoughts ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, offering a candid perspective on how she believes she would fare against male players currently ranked in the ATP top 1000. Speaking on *Piers Morgan Uncensored*, Sabalenka acknowledged the physical challenges women face in competing directly with men under standard conditions, but also expressed optimism about her potential in adjusted match formats designed to level the playing field.

Sabalenka was asked how many players within the top 1000 male ranks she thought she could beat. She didn’t provide a firm number but suggested she could take down some of the weaker servers on the ATP Tour. Her reasoning hinged largely on the power and speed differences between men and women in tennis. “To be honest, I think if we play full court, full rules, it would be really tough for me to compete against guys,” she said. Men generally possess greater physical strength, speed, and shot power—particularly on serves—which can make standard matches heavily skewed.

However, she welcomed the modifications planned for the Battle of the Sexes match, in which court dimensions will be adjusted to reduce its size by approximately 9%. This is intended to counterbalance the physical advantages typically held by male players. “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,” Sabalenka said confidently. She even mused that if she proves successful under these adapted conditions, she might consider testing herself further in a regular men’s match format.

Sabalenka believes that her chances improve notably against players who do not rely heavily on powerful serving. She explained, “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.” This narrative echoes longstanding debates about tennis’ gender dynamics, where serve power and physical strength often shift the competitive balance.

Supporting Sabalenka’s view is Nick Kyrgios, currently ranked world number 672 in the ATP rankings, who will face her in the upcoming match. Kyrgios brought up a comment historically made by tennis legend John McEnroe, who once suggested that the top 800 male players in the world would be a tough benchmark for any female player to overcome. Yet Kyrgios, known for his candid and often unpredictable commentary, expressed respect for Sabalenka’s capabilities and predicted she could indeed win against certain male players in the top 1000.

“I think the sport has changed,” Kyrgios remarked. “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.” He praised Sabalenka’s physicality and notably powerful forehand. “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. As Aryna said, if they don’t have a big serve and get into the rally, her ball on her forehand is as big as some of the guys.”

Kyrgios didn’t mince words: “I have no doubt in my mind she would beat guys in the top 1000, that’s not even a question.” Such endorsement adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming showdown, highlighting a growing respect among some male players for women’s tennis abilities.

This upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” match is set for December 28 in Dubai and will reignite a famous tradition in tennis history. The original “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1973 famously pitted Billie Jean King against Bobby Riggs. King’s victory was seen as a turning point for women’s sports, symbolizing gender equality and reinforcing the competitive legitimacy of women’s tennis. It galvanized public interest and paved the way for greater parity in prize money and opportunities within professional tennis.

Since that iconic event, several unofficial mixed-gender exhibitions have occurred but none have matched the cultural impact of King vs. Riggs. Today’s era of tennis differs greatly—players now benefit from advanced sports science, training, and nutrition, narrowing performance gaps, especially in skill and endurance.

The court modifications planned for Sabalenka and Kyrgios’s match—such as the reduced court size—are innovative attempts to make the contest more competitive and compelling. This adjustment also acknowledges the undeniable physiological differences without undermining the excitement and skill on display.

Sabalenka’s acknowledgment of her limitations under traditional match conditions coupled with her confidence under modified rules provides a nuanced look at gender dynamics in professional sport. It also spotlights the ongoing evolution of tennis as a sport embracing inclusivity, athleticism, and entertainment value.

Both players bring something to prove—Sabalenka, to show women’s tennis can match certain male competitors on skill and strategy, and Kyrgios, to assert the continued physical edge men typically possess. Fans, analysts, and casual viewers alike eagerly await to see whether Sabalenka can fulfill her prediction by besting some of the men ranked within the top 1000.

This battle will serve as more than just a tennis match—it will be a cultural moment reflecting changing attitudes towards gender, athleticism, and competition. Ultimately, while the final outcome remains uncertain, Sabalenka’s remarks and Kyrgios’s support add to the excitement and unpredictability of the event. Only once the ball is in play will the true answers emerge.