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Swiatek Rejects Need for Kyrgios–Sabalenka ‘Battle of the Sexes’ After Dubai Exhibition

The world No. 2 says women’s tennis stands on its own.

Overview

  • Iga Swiatek told reporters before the United Cup that the event was unnecessary and unrelated to social change.
  • She said she did not watch the match and pointed to mixed-team competitions like the United Cup as a better showcase for the sport.
  • Nick Kyrgios beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in the December 28 Dubai exhibition.
  • The match used bespoke rules with one serve per point and a roughly nine percent reduction of Sabalenka’s court.
  • Billie Jean King said the 1973 match was about social change, while Kyrgios and Sabalenka defended the Dubai showcase as entertainment that generated buzz.