Women’s game did not need ‘Battle of Sexes’ – Swiatek

Iga Swiatek, the former Wimbledon champion, claims that the “Battle of the Sexes” between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka was unnecessary because the women’s game “stands on its own.”

In a highly anticipated exhibition in Dubai a week ago, the male player Kyrgios and the female player Sabalenka squared off.

In straight sets, Kyrgios triumphed in the match, which was played on a modified court to provide a level playing surface.

However, Swiatek claims tennis has advanced significantly since the first “Battle of the Sexes” between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King in 1973, which highlighted the women’s game’s struggle for legitimacy and prize money.

The world number two said, “I don’t watch stuff like that, I haven’t watched Sabalenka v. Kyrgios.”

“I believe it certainly attracted a lot of attention. Although it was entertaining, I wouldn’t say that had anything to do with social change or any significant subjects.

“I believe the name was identical to the one from the 1973 Billie Jean King performance. That is it. Because I believe women’s tennis is currently on its own, there were no more similarities.

We don’t necessarily need to compete with men’s tennis because we have so many great athletes and inspiring stories to share.

There is no need for any competition, to be honest.

The mixed-team United Cup, which took place on Friday in Australia, is a better way to celebrate both men and women’s tennis, according to Swiatek.

One men’s and one women’s singles match, as well as a mixed doubles match, make up the United Cup tie.

She said, “Events like this, the United Cup, bring tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with such excitement.”

Playing these kinds of matches with singles players, which typically don’t have room for mixed doubles, is what, in my opinion, makes our sport much more intriguing and better.