Reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek was asked if she watched the controversial Battle of Sexes showdown between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka. The Australian star defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3.
The contest, which drew inspiration from the iconic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, ignited controversy for various reasons, including the intended objective behind arranging such an event. Several former tennis players and ATP stars have argued whether the showdown served its purpose.
Swiatek denied watching the Battle of the Sexes showdown because it only had entertainment value instead of bringing awareness among people for gender equality.
“No, I haven’t watched, because I don’t watch stuff like that,” Swiatek said in a press conference. “I think for sure it attracted, like, a lot of attention. It was an entertainment, but I wouldn’t say that had anything to do with, like, social change or any important topics.
I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in ’73. That’s it. There were no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to, like, compare to men’s tennis. It’s a totally different story.
Swiatek went on to appreciate the United Cup where top ATP and WTA stars come together and play as a team, representing the nation.
“I think actually events like this one, United Cup, brings tennis all together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement,” Swiatek added. “Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kind of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better.
“So yeah, I haven’t watched the match. I only know about how it looked like. But I think, yeah, it was for sure nice entertainment and an XO match between these two.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s Reason Behind Participating In Battle of Sexes vs Nick Kyrgios
Unlike what Iga Swiatek believes, her biggest rival on court, Aryna Sabalenka, didn’t find the contest a gimmick. When she was asked about her willingness to participate in such an event, she challenged herself in hopes of inspiring millions of women to do the same. She also said that by participating in such an exhibition, met doesn’t damage the equal prize money goal.
“Whoever wins, wins,” she said. “I think I’m not damaging this fight for equal prize money and for bringing women’s sport to another level. We’re already on the way, and I think this event is going to only help bring women’s tennis higher because it’s not going to be an easy match for him. I’m going to compete and show that women are strong, powerful, and entertaining to watch. So I think in this event, I’m only going to help, right?”
Even though Sabalenka lost the match, she said she doesn’t regret participating in the controversial showdown in the first place.
