More than just the score – Sabalenka vs Kyrgios: Does tennis need a new ‘battle of the sexes’?
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World No. 1 women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios will face off in an exhibition match in Dubai on December 28. More than 50 years have passed since the historic match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which was billed as a “battle of the sexes,” although King said the match had little in common with the original contest. The BBC’s Jonathan Jurejko spoke with Sabalenka and Kyrgios ahead of the match about why they signed up to face each other, and the controversy it sparked – especially given Kyrgios’ past incidents. He also discussed the background of the sport with Mani Djazmi and what it might mean for the sport’s public image. Not Just the Score is BBC World Service’s daily podcast, exploring stories from around the world of sport. Every Monday through Friday, we tell stories beyond the score, from track and field to Formula One, boxing to bobsledding, football to the NFL. We speak to extraordinary athletes such as pole vaulting titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing king Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as experts who work behind the scenes, from top football scouts to the physical therapists who keep NBA stars in peak condition. In addition, we have the expertise of the BBC’s top journalists, who share insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. If you have an opinion about the stories we cover, we’d love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk or contact us via WhatsApp: 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information and our privacy statement on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
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