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Aryna Sabalenka recently opened up about Billie Jean King as she stated how serious she is about her upcoming Battle of the Sexes exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios. However, Sabalenka's statement did not sit well with most tennis fans.
It was former world No. 1 and WTA founder Billie Jean King who proudly represented women's tennis and defeated 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in the most iconic edition of the Battle of the Sexes in 1973. King herself was 29 at the time and dispatched Riggs in straight sets.
Recently, Sabalenka was looking forward to the latest edition of the “Battle of the Sexes”, which will be played between her and Kyrgios in December this year at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. talking with The NationalBelarus' Reem Abulleil revealed her desire to give it her all against the Australian, whose career has been blighted by injuries in recent years.
“I fully understand the responsibility of this game that I put on my shoulders. That's why I will go out there, and there are no jokes. I will play fully,” said Aryna Sabalenka.
Afterwards, the four-time Major champion expressed her hope to help women's tennis in the same way that the legendary Billie Jean King did and continues to do.
“I hope I can follow the pace of Billie Jean and help women's tennis to achieve better conditions,” added Aryna Sabalenka.
Several X fans (formerly Twitter) realized what Aryna Sabalenka had to say Many of them criticized the 27-year-old for accepting the match against Nick Kyrgiosthe controversial Australian who once pleaded guilty to assaulting a former partner. They also wondered how Sabalenka can “help women's tennis” in any way by participating in this event.
“How ridiculous she is… even more so with each new statement. Always on the wrong side,” wrote a fan.
“Yes, playing against Kyrgios, accused of domestic violence. That will certainly help women's tennis.” commented anothersarcastically
“Not a single part of his brain is being used because he is making wdym play a match with a man who has abused women so that women's tennis has better conditions? Whether he wins or loses adds nothing of value.” another fan chimed in.
“It's so brainless for this…but it makes sense: two people who hate women's tennis so much will play each other (+ Kyrgios hates women in general).” stated one.
“No one even asked him to 'come out' to begin with,” added another.
“Aryna is really dumb as a rock,” weighed in another fan.
“You really think I have to try 100%?” – Nick Kyrgios exuded confidence as he looked forward to facing Aryna Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes
Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik, both considered two of the most creative, entertaining and temperamental players on the ATP Tour, sat down for a candid chat. Along the way, Bublik asked Kyrgios about his thoughts on facing Aryna Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes. here, looking pretty confident about his chances of success against Belarus, the Australian said:
“She's not going to beat me bro. Do you really think I have to try 100%? I'm going to try (to beat Sabalenka). Definitely. I represent you, the men's team. I might say 6-2.”
The exhibition match, as reported BBC Sportwill feature a best-of-three-set format with a 10-point championship tiebreaker if a deciding third set is required. In terms of court modifications, Aryna Sabalenka's side of the court is slated to be smaller than Nick Kyrgios'.
edited by sudipto included
