Nick Kyrgios, ranked No. 671 in the ATP, defeated women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in a highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition tennis match, dealing a crushing blow to those who support biological males competing in women’s sports.
Not only did an oft-injured male tennis player take out the best female player in the world, but the organizers of the event also did everything in their power to level the playing field.
The sold-out event featured modified rules to attempt equalization: Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by 9% based on average movement speed differences, and both players were limited to one serve per point instead of two. This would eliminate Kyrgios’ ability to really fire up powerful first serves for fear of faulting.
Despite these adjustments, Kyrgios dominated (6-3, 6-3) with powerful volleying and tactical play, breaking Sabalenka’s serve multiple times while facing minimal long-term pressure.
The visual of the smaller side of the court for “equality” is incredible.
An Entertaining Match
The match between Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka lasted around 70 minutes and included entertaining moments such as underarm serves, drop shots, and Sabalenka dancing to the Macarena during a timeout.
Post-match, both players embraced warmly, with Kyrgios calling it a tough contest and praising Sabalenka as a great champion, while expressing emotion at returning to the court after injuries.
“I think I put on a great fight,” Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, said.
She vowed to give him a more challenging test next time around.
“I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net … great drop shots, Nick, great serving,” Sabalenka said. “I really enjoyed the show, and I feel like the next time when I play him, I already know the tactics. I know his strengths, his weaknesses, and it’s going to be a better match for sure.”
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Aryna Sabalenka has Acknowledged Differences Between Male and Female Athletes
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, in an interview prior to the match, stated that biological male athletes hold a “huge advantage over women” in sports.
Common sense dictates that she is correct.
Sabalenka, in an interview with Piers Morgan, argued that it is “just not fair to women to basically face biological men,” as female athletes train their entire lives only to compete against biologically similar opponents.
“I have nothing against them, but I feel like they still have a huge advantage over women,” Sabalenka said. “I think it’s just not fair to women to basically face biological men. It’s not fair.”
“The women work their whole life to reach her limit, and then she has to face a man, which is biologically much stronger. So. for me, I don’t agree with this kind of stuff in sport.”
This ridiculous match proves her right.