"I am proud of the person I have become": Kyrgios opens up before his unprecedented duel against Sabalenka

The Australian, often criticized for his excesses, claims to have matured and says he is "proud of the person" he has become.

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 11/12/2025 à 19h05

1 min to read

Kyrgios Nick Sabalenka Aryna

The 2025 version of the "Battle of the Sexes" continues to stir reactions. On December 28, Nick Kyrgios will face Aryna Sabalenka in a duel that promises to make a lot of noise.

To balance the forces, the Australian will play on a court with reduced dimensions and will have only one service ball, rules designed to "balance the game" between the two athletes.

"I am proud of the person I have become"

Interviewed by BBC, the broadcaster of the event in the United Kingdom, Kyrgios wanted to respond to the criticism surrounding his participation:

"I know I am not a role model, but I have matured and I am a much more responsible person today. I have helped many players on the tour. Whenever they need advice or a training session, I am there.

They know what I have been through. I am far from perfect, but I am proud of the person I have become. Sabalenka is very comfortable with me. And I will help any player who needs it."