‘People got it wrong’ – Firstpost

WTA world number one Aryna Sabalenka is sad by the fact that critics could not grasp the idea of the Battle of the Sexes between her and Nick Kyrgios. Sabalenka went down in straight sets against Kyrgios in Dubai on December 28 in a clash that polarised opinions in the tennis world.

Critics questioned the motive of the clash and pointed out that women’s tennis had nothing to gain from the modern iteration of the 1973 Battle of Sexes. In the original version of this clash between the two genders, women’s tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King took on former Grand Slam champion Bobby Riggs. King earned a famous win over Riggs who was 55-year-old at that time.

However, the motive Sabalenka’s clash was heavily questioned. Also under fire was the decision to give platform to
Kyrgios, who was described as a misogynist by some, in such a match.

Sabalenka continues to defend Battle of Sexes

Sabalenka lost 6-3, 6-3 in the match which she has consistently defended before and after the event. Speaking ahead of the season-opening Brisbane International, the world number one said that the event was fun and some people had a wrong impression of the clash.

“What I’m sad about is that some people got it wrong, the whole idea of that event. It was fun. It was a great challenge. I think we brought so many eyes on tennis,” she said.

“It wasn’t about proving something to anyone. It was about to show that tennis can be really huge and we can bring a lot of attention on the exhibition match, which usually never happen, and we just proved that. That’s all it was about,” she added.

Sabalenka began her 2026 on a high at the Brisbane International by beating Cristina ​Bucsa 6-0, 6-1 in 47 minutes to ⁠reach the third round. Meanwhile, her opponent at the Battle of Sexes, Kyrgios, was handed a defeat by Aleksandar Kovacevic in his first singles match since March.