Nick Kyrgios has hit back strongly at critics questioning the upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match, saying the event is good for the game and will draw huge global attention.
The Australian star is set to face women’s World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai later this month, in a modern reboot of the historic concept. The match, however, has been mired in controversy long before the first serve.
Much of the criticism stems from tennis legend Billie Jean King, who played and won the original Battle of the Sexes against Bobby Riggs in 1973. King dismissed any comparison to her iconic match, saying the 2025 version lacks the social purpose her battle represented.
“The only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. That’s it,” King said, arguing that her match was about cultural transformation and gender equality — values she feels are absent this time – as quoted by news.com.au.
Kyrgios has brushed aside the backlash, insisting the event will promote the sport and engage audiences around the world. He has even confidently predicted that he will beat Sabalenka, a claim that has sparked heated reactions on social media.
Despite the controversy, excitement is growing as fans await the rare spectacle between two elite players across tours. Whether it becomes a publicity stunt or a landmark tennis moment remains to be seen, but the spotlight is firmly fixed on Dubai later this month.
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