Aryna Sabalenka knows people have some pretty strong feelings about her upcoming match against Nick Kyrgios. But she thinks it’s going to be great for tennis.
The Battle of the Sexes match is set for December 28th in Dubai. And honestly? It’s causing quite a stir.
A lot of fans aren’t happy about it. Some players think it’s just a publicity stunt.
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Casper Ruud was one of the ATP guys who really didn’t hold back. He said the whole thing feels gimmicky because they’re changing the rules to give Sabalenka a better shot at winning. Ruud thinks if you’re going to do this, play by normal rules.
The controversy goes deeper than just tennis
There are other concerns floating around too.
Some fans worry that if Sabalenka loses to Kyrgios even with rule changes, it’ll look terrible for women’s tennis. Others point to Kyrgios’s past issues with his ex-girlfriend – even though he wasn’t convicted, they don’t think the WTA world No. 1 should be teaming up with him for this kind of event.
At a press conference before the match, Sabalenka addressed all the criticism head-on.
She knows people have strong opinions. But she’s focused on something else entirely.
"I’m used to being under pressure, and I’m used to both the love and hate on social media, so I don’t pay too much attention to it," she said. "I know there are people who support the event and others who don’t."
"I’m just focused on myself. I hope we have a good battle. I think that by putting myself in this situation, by facing a guy, I inspire the next generation to be brave and challenge themselves. That’s how I see it."
You’ve got to give her credit for being willing to put herself out there. If Kyrgios wins easily despite her having a bigger court area to hit into, she’s definitely risking some serious criticism.
This isn’t Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs
People keep comparing this match to the most famous Battle of the Sexes ever.
Back in 1973, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in front of an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide. That match was huge – it helped put women’s tennis on the map and got people to take it seriously.
Sabalenka sees her match with Kyrgios differently though.
She said King was fighting for equality between male and female players back then. This match? It’s got a different purpose entirely.
"I think back then it was a completely different story. They were fighting for different things," Sabalenka explained. "We’re here to take tennis to a different level, bring attention to our sport, help it grow, and have fun."
"Women have already shown that we deserve equality. I want to show that we’re capable of having a great fight with a man."
Whether this whole thing actually helps women’s tennis or hurts it – well, that’s the big question everyone’s debating right now.
We’ll probably have a better answer after December 28th.
