Iga Swiatek has dismissed the need for another Battle of the Sexes, arguing that the women’s game already “stands on its own” and requires no comparison to the men’s tour to prove its worth.
Late last month, Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios went head-to-head with Belarusian powerhouse and women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in an exhibition match in Dubai.
In a contest designed to level the playing field, Kyrgios negotiated a shrunken court and a restricted service rule, defeating Sabalenka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.
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World No.2 Iga Swiatek addresses media ahead of Poland’s United Cup opener. Robert Prange via Getty Images
The promotional use of the historic “Battle of the Sexes” branding sparked immediate backlash, with critics questioning the event’s authenticity and dismissing it as a publicity stunt for ticket sales and viewership.
Reflecting on the sport’s progress, former world No.1 – currently No.2 – Swiatek noted that while the original 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was a necessary cornerstone for social change, the modern women’s game has long since moved past the need for such gender-based comparisons.
“I haven’t watched [Sabalenka v Kyrgios] because I don’t watch stuff like that,” she said during a press conference as part of the United Cup.
“I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn’t say that [it] had anything to do with social change or any important topics.
The Aussie tennis summer kicks off with the 2026 United Cup from Friday, January 2. Watch it live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in ’73. That’s it. There were no more similarities because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now.
“We have so many great athletes and great stories to present, we don’t necessarily need to compare to men’s tennis.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek at the net after their gruelling three-set semi-final battle at Roland-Garros. Â Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
“Honestly, there doesn’t need to be any competition.”
Representing Poland at the United Cup, Swiatek argued that the mixed-team tournament — which got underway in Sydney and Perth on Friday — is a far more authentic way to celebrate the union of the men’s and women’s tours.
Under the United Cup’s unique format, each tie is decided by a men’s and women’s singles match, followed by a mixed doubles rubber.
“Events like this one, [the] United Cup, bring tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement,” Swiatek said.
“Seeing also singles players that usually don’t have space to play mixed doubles together, playing these kinds of matches, I think this is actually what makes our sport much more interesting and better.”
Poland is set to open its campaign against Germany on Monday evening in Sydney, with the night session at Ken Rosewall Arena headlined by a high-stakes clash between Swiatek and Eva Lys.