Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are currently in the middle of an intense “Battle of the Sexes” showdown taking place in Dubai. The Australian star has bagged the first set 6-3, but Sabalenka is showing great resolve in the second set.
However, on the outside, several fans are already considering the event a failed attempt. Ahead of this matchup, critics said that, unlike the 1973 Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs match, which was deeply tied to the women’s rights movement and gender equality in sport, this one is simply an exhibition for financial gain and attention for the players and their management.
Fans shared a similar viewpoint, while slamming the whole idea of pitting a man against a woman in the first place.
“This event is a treat for incels & misogynists. If Sabalenka loses, they will double down on the fact that women don’t deserve equal prize money. If Sabalenka wins, they’ll say Kyrgios was taking it easy on her,” one fan said.
“Does Sabalenka even realize how stupid this makes her look? Battle of the Sexes… girl, so embarrassing,” one fan slammed the Belarusian.
Some fans also brought rules into the picture, saying they were a joke. For this match, both tennis players will only get one serve and Kyrgios will have to hit Sabalenka’s smaller court, which is 9% smaller than general dimension.
“This match is an insult to a sport I like. Kyrgios is playing without any power, like an amateur and is basically just walking around. Sabalenka agreeing to play under special rules with smaller court dimensions on her side is a farce,” one fan wrote.
“Sabalenka’s side of the court is 9% smaller than Kyrgios’ side lmao what a circus really,” one fan added.
“Kyrgios Sabalenka match an absolute farce. whoever thought this was a good idea?” one fan asked.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Rival Shares Her Honest Take On “Battle of the Sexes” Showdown
Aryna Sabalenka’s rival and World No. 29 Emma Raducanu recently shared her take on the “Battle of the Sexes” showdown. The British star shared whether she was going to watch the event live:
“I want to see if they both go flat out, but it will be interesting. I don’t think I’ll watch it all live, but I think I’ll watch some highlights or a recap of it.”
She also mentioned that if she were asked to participate in such a showdown, she would deny it.
“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 interesting,” Raducanu said.
It remains to be seen if such showdowns become a norm in the future.
