‘Battle of the Sexes’ was not needed as women’s tennis ‘stands on its own’ – Iga Swiatek

Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek says tennis does not need a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka because the women’s game “stands on its own”.

Women’s number one Sabalenka and men’s player Kyrgios faced off in a highly publicized exhibition in Dubai a week ago.

Kyrgios won the match in straight sets, played on a modified court designed to provide an even playing field.

But Swiatek says tennis has come a long way since the original ‘Battle of the Sexes’ between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973, which highlighted women’s struggle for legitimacy and prize money.

“I didn’t watch [Sabalenka v Kyrgios] because I don’t watch such things,” said the world number two.

“I definitely think it got a lot of attention. It was fun, but I wouldn’t say it had anything to do with social change or important issues.”

“I think the name was the same name as the Billie Jean King match in ’73. That’s it. There was no similarity anymore because I feel like the women’s tennis stands on its own right now.”

“We have so many great athletes and great stories to offer that we don’t need to compare it to men’s tennis.

“There doesn’t need to be any competition, to be honest.”

Swiatek said the mixed-team United Cup, which starts in Australia on Friday, was a better way to celebrate men’s and women’s tennis.

Ties in the United Cup consist of one men’s and one women’s singles match and one mixed doubles match.

“Events like this, the United Cup, bring tennis together and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with great excitement,” he said.

“When I see singles players who don’t usually have the space to play mixed doubles playing these types of matches, I think that’s actually what makes our sport so much more interesting and better.”

Emma Raducanu and Billy Harris will represent Great Britain in the tournament and will play their first match against Japan in Perth on Sunday.