British tennis star Emma Raducanu is the latest to share her viewpoint on the “Battle of the Sexes” showdown between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai.
The matchup takes inspiration from the 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Critics have pointed out that the 1973 showdown was more about cultural and gender equality, but the 2025 version is largely seen as entertainment.
On Sunday, Raducanu’s thoughts were published as she shares her take on the controversial showdown between a former World No. 13 man and the current World No. 1 woman, Aryna Sabalenka. When asked if she would like to become part of such showdowns in the future, Raducanu said:
“No. I don’t think anyone would sign up for that! Honestly. But I think it would just be cool for the public. It’s the first time it’s been done, so just be interested.”
Raducanu might not be able to watch the showdown live, but she will “watch some highlights or a recap of it.”
The Battle of the Sexes will be played under different rules. Kyrgios will hit towards Sabalenka’s smaller court (approximately 9 % smaller than standard singles dimensions). Moreover, both players will only get one serve, and if need be, the third and final set will be played as a 10-point tiebreak.
Emma Raducanu Breaks Down the Battle Between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka in “Battle of the Sexes”
Emma Raducanu broke down the showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios. She cited her experience playing with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in New York for the US Open mixed doubles campaign.
“It wasn’t long but I hit with Carlos in New York, and the impact of his ball… It looks like he’s not trying, but on your strings, it’s so heavy,” Raducanu said. “That compared to a girl, usually they hit the ball flatter, except Iga [Swiatek] hits a very spinning ball. And there are certain exceptions on the women’s game. Aryna’s ball is pretty heavy, too.”
Raducanu said Kyrgios will have an advantage over Sabalenka in this showdown for two reasons.
“But I’d say the heaviness of the impact is different, and also just their strength in certain positions,” Raducanu said. “You think you’ve hit a good shot, and they’re just able to get behind the ball like an extra step and generate and kind of one-up you and use your pace. That and the serve.”
It remains to be seen who emerges victorious in this iconic showdown and how the tennis world perceives such a matchup in the future.
