Nick Kyrgios vs Aryna Sabalenka ‘Battle of the Sexes’ controversy: The full story behind the backlash explained

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka will face each other in a special “Battle of the Sexes” match on December 28, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, as reported by Reuters. The match is backed by their management company Evolve, which is led by tennis star Naomi Osaka.The event was planned for months, but many thought it would never happen. Now that it’s confirmed, it has sparked strong reactions across the tennis world. Many fans and players feel it turns an important part of tennis history into a show for attention. Critics say it makes fun of the original “Battle of the Sexes,” which once helped women’s tennis gain respect. Let’s look at how this idea began, why the original event mattered so much, and why this new version is being called a publicity stunt.

Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka draw backlash for ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event

The idea of men and women facing off in tennis is not new. The first “Battle of the Sexes” happened in 1973 when Bobby Riggs, then 55, played Margaret Court, who was 30 and returning after childbirth. Riggs said women’s tennis was not as strong as men’s and promised to win easily. On May 13, 1973, he did just that, beating Court 6-2, 6-1. The match was later called the “Mother’s Day Massacre.”

Later that same year, Riggs challenged Billie Jean King, then the world’s top female player.

On September 20, 1973, in front of more than 30,000 fans in Houston, King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. According to History.com and Britannica, that match became a big moment for women’s rights and gender equality in sports.Now, fifty years later, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are bringing that idea back, but the reaction has been mixed. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will take on Kyrgios, who has been off the tour due to injuries and is currently ranked No.

652, as confirmed by The Guardian. Many say this match feels less like a competition and more like a show meant for clicks and sponsors.Aryna Sabalenka herself told People Magazine she hopes to “represent women’s sport in the best way,” but admitted the setup puts pressure on her because if she loses, “it could send the wrong message.”The event may attract huge attention, but many believe it risks turning an important chapter of tennis history into just another viral moment.Also Read: Serena Williams Brings Wimbledon Vibes To The Spanish Royal Event And Alexis Ohanian’s Sweet Reaction Wins Heart