In a matter of a few hours, we’ll see World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka take on Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in a highly anticipated and controversial “Battle of the Sexes” clash. The exhibition match will be played in Dubai on Sunday, and in the lead-up to that, the one-of-a-kind contest has ignited controversy.
The “Battle of the Sexes” draws inspiration from the iconic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. At the time, the match was played to call for gender equality in sports. Meanwhile, the upcoming Sabalenka vs Kyrgios match has been seen as a public stunt and undermining women’s tennis.
Sabalenka has also faced the flak, but she remains unbothered. 24 hours before the match, the Belarusian star addressed her critics by saying that her participation would inspire the next generation to be brave and strong.
“There are people who are supporting the event, of course, and there are people who don’t support it, so I just focus on myself,” Sabalenka said. “I’m preparing myself, and all I want to see there is a great battle, a great match. And I feel like by putting myself in this situation, playing against a guy, I’m inspiring the next generation to be brave, to challenge themselves, and to be strong.”
View this post on Instagram
Aryna Sabalenka’s Message For Young Girls Through “Battle of the Sexes”
Aryna Sabalenka feels she is representing the women’s community, who have faced a challenge to earn equal pay as men. She takes pride in accepting the challenge to face a man and feels she is passing the right message to young girls watching her.
“I don’t know what to expect and that’s what I love. It’s that feeling we seek, and I love challenging myself,” Sabalenka said (via Tennis Temple). It’s a huge challenge to play against Nick, an unpredictable and crazy guy. It’s also a fantastic message for girls. I hope they will watch and see how strong and determined I am to have the courage to take on such a challenge by facing a man.”
When asked about the 1973 duel between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, Sabalenka said the aim is completely different from the one at the time. Through the upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” showdown, she aims to open new doors in tennis and take the sport to the next level.
Even Nick Kyrgios is nervous because he feels he’s representing the men’s side and faces massive pressure to emerge victorious.
