Sabalenka Says ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Match With Kyrgios Will Not Harm Women’s Sport

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has defended her decision to take part in a Battle of the Sexes style exhibition match against Australian star Nick Kyrgios, insisting the event will not undermine women’s sport. The exhibition is scheduled for 28 December and has gained widespread attention due to the contrasting playing styles and strong personalities of the two athletes.

Sabalenka, a four time Grand Slam champion, said she views the match as an opportunity for entertainment rather than a test of the legitimacy of the women’s tour. She emphasized that fans understand the difference between exhibition matches and professional competition and said that a single event cannot define or diminish the accomplishments of female athletes. Sabalenka added that the match offers a fun way to engage audiences during the off season and showcase tennis to a broader group of spectators.

The upcoming event has sparked mixed reactions across the tennis community. Some supporters see it as a lighthearted contest between two popular players, similar to previous exhibition matches that attracted global attention. Critics, however, worry that if Sabalenka loses, it could reinforce outdated comparisons between men’s and women’s tennis. They argue such matchups risk overshadowing the progress women’s sport has made in terms of visibility, competitiveness and public respect.

Sabalenka dismissed these concerns, saying the women’s game stands firmly on its own merits. She highlighted that female players consistently demonstrate elite athleticism, tactical intelligence and mental strength at the highest levels of the sport. According to her, one exhibition match, regardless of the result, cannot erase the achievements of generations of female athletes or reverse the momentum women’s sport continues to build worldwide.

Kyrgios, known for his powerful serve and showmanship, has expressed enthusiasm for the event and said he sees it as a chance to promote the sport and entertain fans. The match is expected to draw significant media attention, especially given Kyrgios’ long absence from the tour due to injuries and Sabalenka’s dominant rise to the top of the rankings.

Many commentators note that similar exhibitions in the past have brought more attention to tennis as a whole and often helped promote equality debates rather than harm them. They suggest that the spectacle may increase interest in the women’s tour by drawing new viewers who may not follow the sport closely.

Sabalenka said she hopes the match will demonstrate that tennis can be both competitive and enjoyable without carrying unnecessary pressure or gender based expectations. She emphasised that her participation reflects confidence in her own game and in the strength of women’s tennis. As she prepares for the new season, she said her focus remains on performing well in official tournaments rather than on the outcome of a single exhibition event.