Aryna Sabalenka v Nick Kyrgios: Why the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition is polarizing
Kyrgios has long been a polarizing figure in the sport because of his checkered history on and off the court.
The Australian has been sanctioned numerous times during his career for inappropriate behavior and violent outbursts.
There are also allegations of domestic violence and accusations of sexist remarks.
Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2023 and then had to distance himself from controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024.
His recent comments about playing Sabalenka – harshly questioning on a podcast whether he had to “100% try” to win – have raised concerns that the event will exacerbate misogyny.
In a press release announcing the event, Kyrgios struck a decidedly different tone.
“When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I have a lot of respect for Elena; she is a powerhouse and a true champion,” he said.
Sabalenka didn’t seem to think the match would have any negative impact on perceptions of women’s sports, saying only at the U.S. Open that she thought it was a “cool idea.”
Tennis Podcast co-host Catherine Whitaker thinks quite the opposite.
“I see absolutely nothing to gain from women’s tennis – I just see bleakness,” she told BBC Sport.
“This is a vulgar business venture and the vehicle of one of the most outspoken misogynists in tennis who just wants attention.
“If Sabalenka wins, she beats a man who is unfit and has been completely irrelevant for years. What has she won? Nothing. Unless she wins 6-0, 6-0, people will just find ammunition to fire at women’s tennis.”
“If Kyrgios wins, he and others like him will claim that it legitimizes everything he has spewed. Giving him a platform is disgusting.
“I think it’s completely ridiculous that this could happen in 2025.”
