The Battle of the Sexes tennis showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios was the talk of the town, but hold onto your racquets. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek just stepped in with a straight-talking take, saying women’s tennis stands tall on its own, no need for mixed-gender spectacles to prove a point.
In a press conference ahead of the United Cup in Sydney, the six-time Grand Slam champ made it clear: this exhibition isn’t the Billie Jean King legacy people think it is.
What Is Battle Of The Sexes?
Let’s rewind a bit. Last week in Dubai, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka faced off against Nick Kyrgios in a hyped-up event echoing the iconic 1973 clash where King beat Bobby Riggs. Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3, with tweaks like a smaller court for Sabalenka to level the playing field. Fans tuned in for the entertainment, but critics, including legends like King, warned it could undermine women’s progress, turning equality fights into gimmicks.
Iga Swiatek Criticises Battle Of The Sexes
Iga Swiatek didn’t mince words. “I haven’t watched it because I don’t engage with that kind of content,” she said plainly. “It drew attention and was entertaining, but I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with social change or important topics. The name is just the same as Billie Jean King’s ’73 match, that’s all. No further similarities because women’s tennis is strong on its own.” She nailed it: why compare when WTA stars like Sabalenka (four Slams) and herself deliver epic stories weekly?
The Polish powerhouse, chasing her first Australian Open title this month, praised formats like the United Cup instead. “Events like this unite tennis,” she explained. “WTA and ATP fans enjoy it together, one men’s singles, one women’s, then mixed doubles. Singles players rarely get that mix, and it boosts our sport big time.” No rivalry needed; just pure competition side by side.
Iga Swiatek’s stance echoes her no-nonsense vibe on court, focused, resilient, always real. She’s right: women’s tennis packs stadiums, equal prize money at Slams, and rivalries like Swiatek vs. Sabalenka that rival any men’s battle. The Dubai match? Fun spectacle, sure, but not the revolution. As Swiatek kicks off against Germany’s Eva Lys on Monday, expect her to let her game do the talking. Tennis fans, this is the real show. Stay locked in for United Cup fireworks and Aussie Open hype!
