Nick Kyrgios takes bold dig at Alexander Bublik after criticism about 'Battle of the Sexes' participation

Nick Kyrgios has fired back at Alexander Bublik after he previously took a dig at his participation in the Battle of the Sexes. The Aussie took on World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the latest installment of the series on December 28 in Dubai, and secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Players, both former and current stars of the game, along with critics and fans, had a lot to say about Kyrgios' showdown with Sabalenka. Bublik was also one of them. He previously sat down with Kyrgios for a chat on the First & Red podcast a few months ago.

Bublik stated he wouldn't have chosen Kyrgios to represent the men back then. The latter remembered that jibe, and has responded to it during his press conference following his win over Sabalenka. While he was complimentary of Bublik and his recent achievements, he also said that the Kazakh has clearly shaped his game after him.

"That’s an interesting comment coming from someone who modeled his entire game on me. I mean, we all think that. Someone had to say it. But Bublik is a very good friend of mine. And let me start by saying that watching him and seeing how well he did last year was incredible. I always knew he had the ability to do these extraordinary things and achieve these incredible feats," Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios revealed that he was under a lot of pressure to win, and his peers were texting him constantly.

"But listen, Bublik, let me tell you, some players were messaging me every day saying, ‘You represent us.’ That was a huge amount of pressure. Bublik wasn’t the only one. I’m not going to name names because they hounded me for days and weeks! But it was tough. It wasn’t easy. Bublik is next! It’s up to you!” Kyrgios added.

Kyrgios kept himself busy with a series of exhibitions in December, concluding them with the Battle of the Sexes. He will now attempt another comeback in 2026, after an injury forced him to halt his return to the tour in 2025.

---

Nick Kyrgios to begin the 2026 season at the Brisbane International

Nick Kyrgios at the Battle of the Sexes 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Nick Kyrgios was sidelined for nearly two years on account of injuries and the surgeries needed to fix them. He returned to the tour at the start of the 2025 season. After going winless in his first three tournaments, he picked up his first win at the Miami Open before losing to Karen Khachanov in the second round.

Kyrgios didn't compete on the ATP Tour for the rest of the year. He has now received a wildcard to participate in the Brisbane International 2026, making it his first tournament of the new season.

However, Kyrgios' appearance at the Australian Open remains uncertain. He would need a wildcard to compete in the season's first Major, which he's yet to receive.

Edited by Rohit