Aryna Sabalenka draws criticism from fans after bringing up Billie Jean King in ‘no jokes’ statement about Battle Of The Sexes with Nick Kyrgios

Aryna Sabalenka recently brought up Billie Jean King as she made it clear how serious she is about her upcoming “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios. However, Sabalenka’s statement was not well received by most tennis fans.

It was Billie Jean King, the former world No. 1 and founder of the WTA, who proudly represented women’s tennis and knocked out 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in the most famous version of the Battle of the Sexes in 1973. King herself, 29 at the time, served Riggs in straight sets.

More recently, Sabalenka is looking forward to the latest edition of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, which is scheduled to take place between her and Kyrgios in December this year at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. talking to NationalismReem Abu Al-Lail, the Belarusian, revealed her desire to give everything she has against the Australian, whose career has been destroyed by injuries in recent years.

Aryna Sabalenka said: “I fully understand the responsibility that this match has on my shoulders. That is why I will go out there, there are no jokes. I will play with my full potential.”

Afterward, the four-time major champion expressed her hope to help women’s tennis in the same way that legend Billie Jean King did and continues to do.

“I hope I can keep up with Billie Jean and help women’s tennis improve conditions,” added Aryna Sabalenka.

Many fans on X (formerly Twitter) noticed what Aryna Sabalenka said. Many of them criticized the 27-year-old for agreeing to the bout against Nick Kyrgios, the controversial Australian who once pleaded guilty to assaulting a former partner. They also questioned how Sabalenka could “help women’s tennis” in any way by participating in such an event.

One fan wrote: “How ridiculous… even more so with every new statement. Always on the wrong side.”

Another quipped: “Yes, by facing Kyrgios who is accused of domestic violence. This will definitely help women’s tennis.”

“Not a single part of her brain was used, because playing a match with a man who abused women is done to improve the conditions for women’s tennis? Whether she wins or loses, it brings nothing of value,” another fan commented.

One said: “She’s so brainless about this…but it makes sense – two people who hate women’s tennis will play against each other (+ Kyrgios hates women in general).”

Another added: “No one even asked her to ‘go out there’ at first.”

“Arina is really dumb as a rock,” another fan weighed in.

“Do you really think I should try 100%?” Nick Kyrgios exuded confidence as he looked forward to facing off against Aryna Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes

Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik, both considered some of the most creative, entertaining and volatile players on the ATP Tour, sat down for a candid conversation. Along the way, Bublik asked Kyrgios for his thoughts on facing Aryna Sabalenka in a battle of the sexes. Here, the Australian, who seemed quite confident about his chances of success against the Belarusian, said:

“She’s not going to beat me, bro. Do you really think I should try 100 percent? I’ll try (to beat Sabalenka). Absolutely. I’m representing you, the men’s team. I’d say maybe 6-2.”

The exhibition match as reported BBC Sportis set to feature a best-of-three set system with a 10-point tournament tiebreaker if a third and deciding set needs to be played. In terms of court adjustments, Aryna Sabalenka’s side of the court is set to be smaller than Nick Kyrgios’ side.