“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can,” that’s exactly what Arthur Ashe once said about taking on challenges. And it feels like Nick Kyrgios is following that same path. Injuries have sidelined the 30-year-old for much of 2025, but the Australian showman seems ready to make his presence felt again. As Aryna Sabalenka gears up to face the Wimbledon finalist in a much-hyped “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match in Dubai on December 28, Kyrgios has only one option — to “entertain”. Especially with Sabalenka already throwing down the gauntlet, warning that she’s coming to win.

Nick Kyrgios has barely played this year and even admitted, “I know that I’m getting to the end of my tennis career now, especially with all these injuries. I can’t do another surgery where you’re out for another six to nine months.” His knee, wrist, and other joints have been in constant trouble, keeping him out of key tournaments, including much of the grass-court swing. But could that be changing? Looks like the injury’s gone. Miracle, maybe?

To make things even more interesting, Kyrgios told the Australian Associated Press, “I don’t know if I should talk about a miracle or anything, but I feel like my knee has rejuvenated by a few years.” He then went on to explain, “I don’t want to be unlucky, but there was like a click that allowed me to chain three or four days of training on the court, at the rate of an hour and a half or two hours, to recover and then progress.” But with such a long layoff, could he actually pull off a win? Chances are slim, but not impossible, judging by his own words.

Currently ranked No. 652 in the world, Nick Kyrgios hasn’t played a singles match since bowing out in the second round at the Miami Open in March. After sitting out 18 months in 2023 due to a wrist injury, he’s managed just five matches this season. Still, the Aussie who once reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 isn’t losing faith. “It’s really great and I haven’t told anyone about it yet. I feel like I’m reborn on the court,” he said with a grin.

But “miracle” or not, Aryna Sabalenka isn’t showing up to play nice.

Aryna Sabalenka fires a bold message ahead of Nick Kyrgios showdown

Just a few days ago, BBC Sport shared Aryna Sabalenka’s message on X, where she declared, “I have so much respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my game. I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take on the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.” The reigning US Open champion and current World No. 1 will face Kyrgios at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, and while the matchup might seem tilted on paper, the story runs deeper than that.

In September, Kyrgios confidently said he wouldn’t even need to give “100 percent” to win the match. Still, the Aussie didn’t shy away from returning the respect. “When the World No. 1 challenges you, you answer the call,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve got massive respect for Aryna Sabalenka; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play… I’m here to entertain. This is what I live for.”

The 30-year-old has competed in only five singles matches over the past three years.  He has had multiple surgeries on his wrist and knee in that time. Now, Kyrgios can’t explain the sudden turnaround. After months of grueling rehab and setbacks, his body seems to be responding again. So the question is, will the old Kyrgios show up when the lights come on in Dubai? Let us know in the comments.