[스포티비뉴스=신인섭 기자] Arina Sabalenka (Belarus), world number one in women’s professional tennis (WTA), will compete against Nick Kyrgios (Australia) in men’s tennis.
Regarding the ‘battle of the sexes’ type event match that world number one Valenka will play against Kyrgios, he drew a line by saying, “I do not agree with the concerns that it will be harmful to women’s sports.” The match between the two players will be held in Dubai on December 28.
Along with the view that this match was simply a box office event, there was also criticism that if Sabalenka were to lose, the status of women’s tennis could be shaken. However, Sabalenka dismissed the controversy, saying, “It is not our place to take risks. We are on the court to show the fans an enjoyable game.” He continued, “Everyone knows that men are biologically stronger, but the important thing is not the structure. This event will actually take women’s tennis to the next level.”
Sabalenka, 27, has established herself as a leading player on the WTA tour in recent seasons, and finished the season by winning this year’s US Open. The 30-year-old Kyrgios, whose return to the tour was delayed due to rehabilitation from a wrist injury, has played only five games this year. Although he was pushed down to 672nd in the world rankings, there are expectations that this match will be an important opportunity in the process of preparing for a comeback after a long hiatus.
It is said that the idea of the two players facing off was first suggested by their co-agent Stuart Dougid. “There are certainly financial benefits, but money is not what drives this game,” he explained. The prize structure or appearance fee payment method was not disclosed.
“It won’t be an easy match for Kyrgios,” Sabalenka said. “I want to prove that female players have enough power and competitiveness.” “He’s under pressure either way, but I think it’s a win-win match no matter the outcome,” he added.
Some in the tennis world say that this event is reminiscent of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. King’s victory at the time had a significant impact on the discussion of gender equality and served as an opportunity to narrow the gap in prize money between men and women in tennis. On the other hand, some critics argue that the repetition of the ‘men vs. women’ structure is unnecessary now that female athletes have already grown into the world’s highest-paid sport.
However, the two players are confident that the unique attractions and the effect of watching celebrities will attract a new fan base. Kyrgios said, “It is an opportunity to showcase the splendor that tennis has never shown before,” and added, “It will be a special event.” Sabalenka also emphasized that it was “an attempt to grow tennis” and that “this kind of challenging performance is what fans want to see.”
Meanwhile, past controversies surrounding Kyrgios are also being reexamined. He admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2021 and was also criticized for making misogynistic comments. Last year, he shared a post about controversial figure Andrew Tate, but later drew a line. Regarding this, Kyrgios said, “I understand the criticism of my past actions. I am a different person than I used to be. I have grown and become more mature.”
When asked about the possibility of a negative impact on women’s sports, he replied, “I haven’t thought about it at all.” “The only thing I’m good at is hitting the ball over the net and entertaining the audience. I hope that the handshake with Sabalenka after the match will be evaluated as strengthening the relationship between men and women in the tennis world,” he said.
He said that this event was also meaningful in preparing for his return to the ATP Tour next year. Although he has not been able to play tour matches since the Miami Open in March due to a knee injury, he explained that “his physical condition is positive” and that step-by-step preparations are continuing until his return in 2026.
