Iga Swiatek dismisses the need for modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ matches, stating women’s tennis stands on its own with great athletes and stories.
SYDNEY: World number two Iga Swiatek (pic) has dismissed the relevance of modern ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition matches. She stated that women’s tennis has nothing left to prove.
The Polish star was commenting on last week’s controversial match in Dubai between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios. Swiatek said she did not watch the exhibition.
“I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn’t say that had anything to do with social change or any important topics,” she said.
Swiatek argued the event bore little resemblance to the iconic 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. She believes women’s tennis now stands firmly on its own.
“We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to compare to men’s tennis,” Swiatek said. “Honestly, there doesn’t need to be any competition.”
She pointed to the United Cup, where she opens her season, as a superior model. She believes it better celebrates both tours together.
“I think actually events like this one, United Cup, brings tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement,” Swiatek said.
The six-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the Australian Open, the only major title she has yet to win. She praised the United Cup format for its mixed doubles component.
“Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kind of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better,” she added.
Sabalenka has since defended her decision to play Kyrgios. She argued tennis needs to “keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun”.
“I think I would definitely do it again,” Sabalenka said this week. “I love revenge and I don’t like to leave it the way it is.”
