Ill try to kick his a**: Sabalenka eyes showdown with Kyrgios in exhibition clash

New Delhi: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is fully prepared to face the proposed 'Battle of the Sexes' challenge, where she will compete against Nick Kyrgios. She responded boldly, saying, "I'll try my best to kick his a**." 

Discussions about the event between the two are ongoing, although the date and venue have yet to be decided. The 27-year-old Belarusian mentioned, "I think it's going to be spectacular to watch. It's going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick."

Sabalenka, who is currently chasing her fourth Grand Slam, added, "He said in another interview that I genuinely think I'm going to win. And I'll definitely go out there, and I'll try my best to kick his ass. We are not sure about the place, but if we do it, it'll be somewhere with a lot of spectators, and we're going to put a lot of pressure on Nick." Sabalenka addressed this after defeating Jessica Pegula and reaching the US Open final.

Earlier, Australian Kyrgios suggested Sabalenka has no chance against him. Speaking to Alexander Bublik, he said, "She's not going to beat me, do you really think I have to try 100 percent?"

He didn't stop there; he argued that his serve alone would overwhelm Sabalenka, stating, "Our serves, women can't return them, and then we can just chip and drop shots."

The event is expected to take place in Hong Kong early next year, in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Discussions confirming the event have been made by China Tennis Association director Peter Johnston.

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The clash between the two has sparked comparisons to the original "Battle of the Sexes" in 1973, when Billie Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs, marking a landmark moment for women's sport.

Kyrgios has been sidelined since March due to injuries and is still in recovery, while Sabalenka is making waves in tennis, becoming the first woman in 11 years to defend her US Open singles title.