Former world number one Iga Swiatek believes the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenko was never needed. Swiatek said before the United Cup that the exhibition between the Australian and Belarus had done little for tennis other than draw attention.
Kyrgios and Sabalenka played an inter-sex match in Dubai on 28 December 2025. Dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes” in reference to Billie Jean King’s famous 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, the 2025 edition did little to improve the reputation of women’s tennis.
Despite claiming it would be a serious match, Kyrgios didn’t go all out against Sabalenko, who looked more focused on the spectacle surrounding the event. Sabalenka entered through the stands with Eye of the Tiger blaring from the speakers and even broke into a dance during a medical timeout.
A semi-fit Kyrgios still won the match in straight sets despite visibly running out of gas midway through the second set.
Swiatek said she did not watch the match herself, but emphasized that there are no real similarities between the original Billie Jean King event and this one. She argued that women’s tennis stands firmly on its own and already has enough role models from which young players can draw inspiration.
“I don’t follow that kind of thing. But it definitely got attention. I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with social change or any important issues. The name was the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in 1973, and that’s it. There were no similarities anymore,” Swiatek told reporters before the United Cup.
“I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to showcase. We don’t necessarily compare ourselves to men’s tennis and I don’t think there should be any ‘Battle of the Sexes’ competition,” she added.
“Events like the United Cup bring tennis together. I didn’t see the match,” concluded Swiatek.
“Women’s tennis stands on its own right now” ??
Iga Swiatek dismisses the need for the recent “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenko??? pic.twitter.com/6wQC7CuK4F— TNT Sports (@tntsports) January 3, 2026
The battle of the sexes was heavily criticized as a charade by several sections of fans. Many called it frivolous, especially considering the playing conditions. Sabalenka played on a court that was 9 percent smaller than Kyrgios. Instead of the traditional 2 serves in tennis, there was one serve per point.
Kyrgios and Sabalenka both defended the exhibition match, saying it created a buzz around the world that was good for the sport.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
January 3, 2026
