Tennis legend Billie Jean King slams Sabalenka vs Kyrgios Battle of the Sexes; players stay firm

Tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are set for the Dubai “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition on December 28.

While fans are excited, tennis legend Billie Jean King has criticized the event, saying it should not be compared to her historic 1973 win over Bobby Riggs. King told BBC Sport, “The only similarity is that one is a boy and one is a girl. Ours was about social change; this one is not.” She added she hopes it will be a good match and supports Sabalenka.

Kyrgios and Sabalenka insist the exhibition is meant to entertain and engage fans, not make a political statement. Kyrgios praised Sabalenka’s talent and highlighted their friendship, while Sabalenka said she wants the match to be fun and to show “women are powerful.”

The match will feature adapted rules: single-serve points, a smaller court for Sabalenka, and a deciding 10-point tie-break if needed. While supporters see it as harmless fun, skeptics caution against unfair comparisons between men’s and women’s tennis.

For King, her 1973 match had historic significance, coinciding with the founding of the WTA, Title IX, and a broader push for gender equality. For Sabalenka and Kyrgios, the focus remains on putting on a show and enjoying the game.