Why Billie Jean King is uneasy about Sabalenka vs Kyrgios
Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are set to play in one of the most talked-about tennis matches of the year, a fresh chapter in the Battle of the Sexes history.
This time around, though, it’s coming from a very different place.
Earlier versions of this match were played with big intentions behind them, often trying to spark real change or shift how people viewed the sport.
Sabalenka’s reasons aren’t quite on that level, and Billie Jean King – who played in one of the original Battle of the Sexes matches – has shared her perspective on how things have changed.
Billie Jean King shares her thoughts on the 2025 Battle of the Sexes
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Speaking to the BBC before the upcoming event, King was clear in her view that this match-up doesn’t carry the same weight as her own famous clash against Bobby Riggs.
She pointed out that back then, there was much more at stake, not just for tennis but for society as a whole. This time, it’s different.
But when asked if she thought this match might undermine women’s tennis, King replied: “I don’t know. I’ll have to ask her [Sabalenka] after she plays, but we have never said we are better than men – ever.
“We have talked about our entertainment value – sometimes a woman’s match ends up being better than a guy’s match.
“I get upset when people say you think you are better. We have never said that, never.”
Why Aryna Sabalenka’s comments show she may undermine women’s tennis against Nick Kyrgios
Even though King has stopped short of outright criticism, there are already signs that this match could be more damaging than anticipated.
Sabalenka made her feelings clear during a recent appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show. She said: “I enjoy challenging myself and playing against a male athlete, against Nick, is a great challenge. We are taking tennis to the next level. The visibility it already has is incredible; many people will come to watch us. It’s a historic moment, but we do it for fun, to help tennis grow.
“It will be a high-level match where I will beat him, 100%. You don’t understand how stressed he is. I can only win; I am very excited.”
Kyrgios is widely expected to win under normal circumstances, but with the adjusted court dimensions and serve rules in place for this match, Sabalenka does have a stronger chance than she would otherwise.
By framing it as a no-lose situation for herself, Sabalenka has unintentionally suggested that women’s tennis sits below men’s in terms of status.