Swiatek says women's tennis does not need 'Battle of the Sexes'

SYDNEY — Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek on Saturday said she saw little point to the "Battle of the Sexes" match, and that women's tennis has nothing more to prove.

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Australian Nick Kyrgios faced off in a highly publicized and controversial exhibition match in Dubai a week ago.

Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3 with Sabalenka's side of the court reduced in size by nine percent in an attempt to restrict his power and speed advantage.

It bore little resemblance to the era-defining 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" encounter between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Back then, there was more at stake with the nascent women's professional tour, set up by King, fighting for legitimacy and prize money.

"I haven't watched, because I don't watch stuff like that," world No 2 Swiatek said in Sydney, where she opens her season at the United Cup.

"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.

"We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don't necessarily need to compare it to men's tennis.

"Honestly, there doesn't need to be any competition."

The Polish star, who is preparing for the Australian Open later this month, the only Grand Slam she is yet to win, said the mixed-team United Cup was a better way to celebrate men's and women's tennis.

"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," she said.

"Also, seeing 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."

Ties at the United Cup comprise one men's and one women's singles match and a mixed doubles match, with group winners in each host city — Perth and Sydney — advancing into the quarterfinals along with the best runners-up.

Sabalenka this week defended playing Kyrgios, saying tennis needs to "keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it fun".

"I think I would definitely do it again," she said. "I love revenge and I don't like to leave it the way it is."

AFP