There was no need for a ‘battle of the sexes’ as women’s tennis ‘stands on its own’ – Iga Swiatek

Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek said tennis did not need a “battle of the sexes” between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka because the women’s game “stands on its own”.

The women’s number one Sabalenka and Kyrgios faced off in a highly publicized exhibition in Dubai a week ago.

Kyrgios won the match, which was played on a modified court designed to provide an even level of play, in straight sets.

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 that highlighted the women’s game’s struggle for legitimacy and prize money.

“I didn’t watch [Sabalenka v Kyrgios] “Because I don’t see things like that,” the world number two said.

“I definitely think it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I can’t say it had anything to do with social change or any important topics.”

“I think the name was the same as the name on the Billie Jean King match in 1973. That’s it. There are no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own now.

“We have a lot of great athletes and great stories to offer, and we don’t necessarily need to compare to men’s tennis.

“Honestly, there doesn’t have to be any competition.”

Swiatek said the United Mixed Team Cup, which kicked off in Australia on Friday, was a better way to celebrate men’s and women’s tennis.

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

“Events like this, the United Cup, bring tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with a lot of excitement,” she said.

“Seeing singles players who normally wouldn’t have the space to play mixed doubles together, playing this type of match, I think that’s actually what makes our sport more interesting and better,” he added.

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