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Iga Swiatek Calls Kyrgios–Sabalenka ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Unnecessary

She says the Dubai exhibition was entertainment with no bearing on women’s tennis.

Overview

  • Speaking before the United Cup in Australia, the world No. 2 said she did not watch the event and does not follow such exhibitions.
  • Swiatek argued the women’s game stands on its own and said the show had no real link to Billie Jean King’s 1973 landmark match.
  • The Dec. 28 Dubai exhibition ended with Nick Kyrgios defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets.
  • Organizers used modified rules, including one serve per point and a roughly nine percent smaller court on Sabalenka’s side.
  • She highlighted the mixed-team United Cup as a better showcase for the sport, as fans questioned the exhibition and both players defended it as enjoyable publicity.