Iga Swiateknumber two in world tennis, launched a furious criticism of the recent Battle of the Sexes held in Dubaiwhere Aryna Sabalenka faced the Australian Nick Kyrgios under an exhibition format and with special rules. The Polish player questioned the value of this event for women’s tennis and rejected the idea that these meetings are necessary for the development of the circuit.
“No, I haven’t seen it because I don’t see things like that.”declared Swiatek within the framework of the United Cup, when asked about the match. For her part, the former world number 1 assured that, although the exhibition attracted some attention, she considered it as “entertainment”without impact on social changes or important issues.
The Polish tennis player highlighted that the event in Dubai barely shares the name with the historic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. According to Swiatek, “Women’s tennis stands on its own now” and does not need to be compared to the men’s circuit. During the talk with the press, she highlighted that there are “many great athletes and great stories” on the women’s circuit, so turning these shows into transcendental events is not necessary.
For her part, King herself agreed with the Pole. “The only similarity is that one is a boy and the other a girl. That’s all. Everything else, no. Ours focused on social change; culturally, on how we were in 1973. Not this one.”said the former tennis player who became a legend of the discipline.
Looking ahead to her participation in one of the tournaments that serve to open the new year, Swiatek stressed that for her, these types of events can contribute to improving the development of tennis for women. “I think events like this, the United Cup, unite tennis and WTA and ATP fans can watch this event with a lot of enthusiasm. Also seeing singles players who normally don’t have the space to play mixed doubles together, playing these types of matches, I think this is what makes our sport much more interesting and better,” said the 24-year-old Polish winner of six Grand Slam titles.
Spectacularism dominated the scene in the fourth edition of the Battle of the Sexes. Beyond the Australian’s victory by a double 6-3the day had a euphoric response from the public to the spectacle offered and left expectations about a possible return of the Australian to the professional circuit in 2026.
Towards the end of the match, Sabalenka resisted Kyrgios’ attacks to the limit, saving match points and deploying volleys that impressed even his opponent. The Australian, known for his creativity on the court, secured his services in decisive moments and sealed his victory after 1 hour and 16 minutes of play. The final games showed tight margins, with both tennis players taking the dynamics of the show to the maximum.
The organization introduced special rules: No side changes were made between sets, and each player had only one serve per point.. If they missed the first serve, they lost the point immediately. Also, the side of the court Sabalenka played on was reduced by 9% compared to standard dimensionsa measure adopted to equalize the conditions and highlight the talent of both.
Sabalenka, current WTA world number 1, maintained the spotlight with her focus on the show. During the breaks, he starred in a moment of dancing to the rhythm of “La Macarena”. The audience also celebrated his initial entrance, as he appeared on the dance floor wearing a sparkly jacket while playing “Eye of the Tiger” (well-known song from the Rocky saga), a gesture that set the lively tone of the day.
The event brought together media figures and focused on attracting a diverse audience, balancing high technical level with a festive atmosphere. Sabalenka left a strong image for her aggressiveness and her ability to raise the demands of the test, while Kyrgios expanded the expectations surrounding her future competitive return.
