Overview
- In a joint Piers Morgan interview, Aryna Sabalenka said transgender women have a “huge advantage” and that it is “not fair” for women to face “basically biological men,” and Nick Kyrgios said he felt the same.
- Their Dec. 28 “Battle of the Sexes” at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena remains scheduled with adjusted rules, including Sabalenka’s side of the court reduced by about 9% and a single serve per point for both.
- Critics, including broadcaster Katherine Whittaker, denounced the event and the players’ comments, calling it a dog-whistle publicity stunt and accusing Kyrgios of representing misogyny.
- The WTA has not issued an immediate response to the comments, while Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association implemented stricter 2024 rules barring transgender women from some domestic women’s competitions.
- Sabalenka told the BBC the exhibition will not harm the women’s game, describing herself as in a “win-win” situation and saying the showcase is meant to elevate women’s tennis.