World No. 2 female tennis player Iga Swiatek believes the Battle of the Sexes does not prove the authenticity of women’s tennis over men’s.
The six-time Grand Slam champion recently shared her thoughts following the exhibition match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka by sets of 6-3, 6-3. However, the court side of the Belarusian player was reduced by nine percent as an attempt to reduce her speed and power.
For Swiatek, the match held little similarity to the historic 1973 Battle of the Sexes between former tennis legends Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The Polish star is currently preparing in Sydney as she opens her 2026 campaign in the United Cup.
In a recent interview, she said, “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.”
“I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in ‘73. That’s it. There were no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka believes the Battle of the Sexes is new and adds a fresh perspective to tennis. She shared, “I think I would definitely do it again. I love revenge and I don’t like to leave it the way it is.”
Following the United Cup, Swiatek will be in action for the Australian Open in January 2026, aiming to claim the only Grand Slam she has never won. She, however, believes a mixed-team event like the United Cup is a much better way to commemorate men’s and women’s tennis.
Swiatek added, “I think actually events like this one, the United Cup, brings tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement.”
The Polish player also revealed that the United Cup provides a platform for singles players to play in mixed doubles, catering to the growth in tennis.
“Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kinds of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better,” she also mentioned.
The 2026 United Cup will begin on January 2, 2026, and will be hosted in Perth and Sydney. The event follows with the Australian Open scheduled from January 12 in Melbourne Park.
