Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek says women’s tennis did not need the recent ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition, insisting the women’s game is strong enough without comparisons to men’s tennis.
The highly publicised match between world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios took place in Dubai last week, with Kyrgios winning in straight sets on a modified court designed to balance conditions.
But Swiatek believes the exhibition had little relevance beyond entertainment value.
‘No need for comparison’
“I haven’t watched it because I don’t watch stuff like that,” said Swiatek, the current world number two.
“I think it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with social change or important topics.”
Swiatek said the original 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’ between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs carried historical weight because women’s tennis was fighting for recognition and equal prize money at the time.
“I think the name was just reused from the Billie Jean King match. That’s it,” she added. “There were no more similarities because women’s tennis stands on its own right now.
“We have so many great athletes and great stories. We don’t necessarily need to compare to men’s tennis. Honestly, there doesn’t need to be any competition.”
United Cup a better model
Swiatek praised the mixed-team United Cup, which began in Australia on Friday, as a more meaningful way to showcase the sport.
Each tie at the tournament features a men’s singles match, a women’s singles match and mixed doubles.
“Events like the United Cup bring tennis together,” Swiatek said. “WTA fans and ATP fans can watch with excitement.
“Seeing singles players who don’t usually get the chance to play mixed doubles together actually makes our sport more interesting and better.”
Great Britain, represented by Emma Raducanu and Billy Harris, begin their United Cup campaign against Japan in Perth on Sunday.
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