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Iga Swiatek: Why Women's Tennis Has Moved Beyond the 'Battle of the Sexes'

Iga Swiatek has dismissed the ongoing cultural significance of the 1973 'Battle of the Sexes,' calling it mere entertainment rather than a catalyst for social change. The world No. 2 argues that women's tennis is now a legitimate global sport that stands firmly on its own, with no need for comparison to the men's game. She believes modern, collaborative events like the United Cup, which bring fans together, better represent the sport's current state. Swiatek contends that the WTA's great athletes and stories are compelling enough without needing to reference historic, gendered competitions.

Key Points: Swiatek: Women's Tennis Doesn't Need 'Battle of Sexes'

  • Dismisses historic match's relevance
  • Advocates for modern mixed events
  • Says women's tennis needs no comparison to men's
3 min read

Women's tennis doesn't need 'Battle of Sexes,' says Iga Swiatek

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek dismisses the relevance of the historic 'Battle of the Sexes,' arguing women's tennis now stands on its own merit.

Women's tennis doesn't need 'Battle of Sexes,' says Iga Swiatek
"I feel like women's tennis stands on its own right now. We have so many great athletes and great stories to present. - Iga Swiatek"

Sydney, Jan 3

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek dismissed the significance of the "Battle of the Sexes" event, which was heavily promoted during the 1973 tour, and stated that it represented only half of the overall women's tennis.

Swiatek said that while many view it as one of the top events in tennis history, on a global scale, women in tennis have nothing to prove and should not be measured against men's tennis when being compared to it.

"I haven't watched because I don't watch stuff like that," Swiatek said during press conference. "I think for sure it attracted a lot of attention. It was entertainment, but I wouldn't say that had anything to do with social change or any important topics."

Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2 in the world and participating in the United Cup in Sydney this week, said the mixed team event was a far more meaningful way to celebrate women's tennis. The match between Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 in women's singles tennis, and Nick Kyrgios, the Australian entertainer, has been compared to the famous battle between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.

Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 by reducing the size of his side of the court by nine per cent to nullify Sabalenka's strength, speed and elevation advantage; however, Swiatek did not feel that any such comparison could be made. Swiatek remarked that the context that made the 1973 match era-defining is no longer relevant. Women's Tennis is now a legitimate global professional sport.

"I think the name was just the same as the one from the Billie Jean King match in '73. That's it," she said. "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. Honestly, there doesn't need to be any competition."

As she prepares for the Australian Open this month, the only Grand Slam title she has not won, she believes that modern formats such as the United Cup more accurately reflect the state of the game today.

"I think actually events like this one, United Cup, brings tennis together, and WTA fans and ATP fans can watch this event with so much excitement," she 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."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
She makes a valid point, but I respectfully disagree on one thing. The 1973 match *was* important for social change—it challenged stereotypes globally. In India too, such symbolic victories matter to change mindsets. But yes, today's women players are phenomenal athletes who don't need gimmicks.
A
Ananya R
Absolutely right! The focus should be on the amazing tennis women play, not on competing with men. We have our own legends like Serena and our own current stars. The United Cup sounds fun—tennis should be about bringing fans together, not creating artificial battles. More power to Iga! 💪
D
David E
Interesting perspective. As a fan, I enjoy both tours separately. The Kyrgios vs. Sabalenka exhibition was entertaining, but Iga is correct that it doesn't define the women's game. The WTA tour has incredible depth and rivalries that are compelling on their own.
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Siddharth J
Well said. It's about time we moved on from these outdated narratives. In India, we celebrate P.V. Sindhu or Saina Nehwal for their badminton, not for how they'd fare against a male player. Same logic applies. Let's appreciate the sport for what it is today.
K
Kavya N
I love her confidence! Women's tennis is thriving with talents like Swiatek, Sabalenka, and our own Ankita Raina trying to make her mark. We don't need sideshows. The focus should be on Grand Slams and the United Cup, which shows great teamwork. All the best to Iga for the Australian Open! 🇮

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