Before Aryna Sabalenka takes the court against Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition called the “Battle of the Sexes,” women’s tennis already lost. By agreeing to play the ATP Tour’s part-time player and full-time bad boy, Sabalenka is making a mockery women’s tennis and minimizing fundamental inequities.
The Battle of the Sexes match is December 28, in Dubai. Evolve, the agency co-founded by Naomi Osaka and that represents Sabalenka and Kyrgios, is promoting the event. Osaka co-founding an agency that represents top players reflects women’s empowerment in sports more than this sham slam.
“No one gives a f— about what’s happening with Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios,” said former WTA Player and tennis commentator Rennae Stubbs on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. “I mean, the only reason they’re putting this on is because it is literally their company Evolve, who’s a sponsor, who’s their management company. . . But what is in this for women’s tennis?”
The lead-up has been mostly fun and games, with Sabalenka stating she wants to “kick Nick’s a–.